Pet safety
Is Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'toxic to cats & dogs?
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart'
Is lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' safe for cats and dogs?
No — lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?
Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' toxic to cats?
Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart' (Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Gold Heart') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?
Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors and staggering; large amounts may trigger seizures. Handling may cause mild skin irritation. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete lamprocapnos spectabilis 'gold heart' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.