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Pet safety

Is Bush Vetch toxic to dogs?

Vicia sepium

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bush vetch as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification.

What to do if your dog ate bush vetch

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move bush vetch out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bush vetch to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten bush vetch, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bush vetch toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is bush vetch toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bush vetch as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats bush vetch?

Vicia sepium is not individually listed in the ASPCA database. The seeds contain low levels of cyanogenic glycosides; ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset in pets. Given the wider Vicia genus toxicity profile, mildly-toxic is the prudent classification. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to bush vetch.

What should I do if my dog ate bush vetch?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bush vetch toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bush Vetch is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full bush vetch pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to bush vetch?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bush vetch pet-safety