Pet emergency
My dog ate Yellow Wood Anemone — what to do
Step by step
- Take yellow wood anemone away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate yellow wood anemone — FAQ
Is yellow wood anemone poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Yellow Wood Anemone (Anemone ranunculoides) as toxic to dogs. All parts of Anemone ranunculoides contain protoanemonin — a toxic irritant glycoside. Fresh plant material is harmful to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested; symptoms include mouth and throat burning, blistering, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases blood-tinged urine or tremors. The sap also causes skin and eye irritation (contact dermatitis) — wear gloves when handling. Protoanemonin degrades on drying and is non-toxic in dried material. Toxic to pets; keep children and animals away from the plant.
How serious is it if my dog ate yellow wood anemone?
Yellow Wood Anemone is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. All parts of Anemone ranunculoides contain protoanemonin — a toxic irritant glycoside. Fresh plant material is harmful to dogs, cats, horses, and humans if ingested; symptoms include mouth and throat burning, blistering, excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases blood-tinged urine or tremors. The sap also causes skin and eye irritation (contact dermatitis) — wear gloves when handling. Protoanemonin degrades on drying and is non-toxic in dried material. Toxic to pets; keep children and animals away from the plant. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep yellow wood anemone well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is yellow wood anemone toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Yellow Wood Anemone and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide