Pet safety
Is Winter Aconitetoxic to cats & dogs?
Eranthis hyemalis
Toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Eranthis hyemalis
Is winter aconite safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists winter aconite as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. 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. All parts of Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats winter aconite?
All parts of Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 winter aconite, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate winter aconite
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move winter aconite 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 winter aconite 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 winter aconite
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)
Winter Aconite and pets — frequently asked questions
Is winter aconite toxic to cats?
Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. All parts of Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 winter aconite toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like winter aconite is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats winter aconite?
All parts of Eranthis hyemalis are toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (eranthin A and eranthin B, bufadienolide group) as well as protoanemonin, a skin and mucous-membrane irritant common in Ranunculaceae. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bradycardia, dyspnoea, and in severe cases cardiac arrest. A documented case records fatal pulmonary oedema in a dog. The bitter taste deters most casual nibbling but veterinary advice should be sought immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 winter aconite, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate winter aconite?
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 winter aconite to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to winter aconite?
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 winter aconite care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete winter aconite care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.