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Pet safety

Is Candle larkspur toxic to dogs?

Delphinium elatum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — candle larkspur is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Delphinium elatum contain diterpene alkaloids (diterpenoid norditerpenoids) and are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes neuromuscular effects including salivation, muscle weakness, tremors, respiratory paralysis, and can be fatal. Toxic to humans as well. Wear gloves when handling; keep away from children and pets.

What to do if your dog ate candle larkspur

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move candle larkspur 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 candle larkspur to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is candle larkspur toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is candle larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes — candle larkspur is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Delphinium elatum contain diterpene alkaloids (diterpenoid norditerpenoids) and are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes neuromuscular effects including salivation, muscle weakness, tremors, respiratory paralysis, and can be fatal. Toxic to humans as well. Wear gloves when handling; keep away from children and pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats candle larkspur?

All parts of Delphinium elatum contain diterpene alkaloids (diterpenoid norditerpenoids) and are listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA. Ingestion causes neuromuscular effects including salivation, muscle weakness, tremors, respiratory paralysis, and can be fatal. Toxic to humans as well. Wear gloves when handling; keep away from children and pets. 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 candle larkspur.

What should I do if my dog ate candle larkspur?

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 candle larkspur toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Candle larkspur is toxic to cats as well. See the full candle larkspur pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to candle larkspur?

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 candle larkspur pet-safety