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Is Cat's Claw Creeper toxic to dogs?

Dolichandra unguis-cati

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cat's claw creeper 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. Dolichandra unguis-cati is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. It belongs to Bignoniaceae, which includes non-toxic genera (e.g. Jacaranda). No specific toxic compounds are well-documented for this species. Compounds in plant sap could cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution. Note: this species is a declared invasive weed in Australia, Florida (USA), and several other regions — verify local regulations before planting.

What to do if your dog ate cat's claw creeper

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

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

Is cat's claw creeper toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cat's claw creeper toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cat's claw creeper 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. Dolichandra unguis-cati is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. It belongs to Bignoniaceae, which includes non-toxic genera (e.g. Jacaranda). No specific toxic compounds are well-documented for this species. Compounds in plant sap could cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution. Note: this species is a declared invasive weed in Australia, Florida (USA), and several other regions — verify local regulations before planting.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cat's claw creeper?

Dolichandra unguis-cati is not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic or non-toxic. It belongs to Bignoniaceae, which includes non-toxic genera (e.g. Jacaranda). No specific toxic compounds are well-documented for this species. Compounds in plant sap could cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution. Note: this species is a declared invasive weed in Australia, Florida (USA), and several other regions — verify local regulations before planting. 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 cat's claw creeper.

What should I do if my dog ate cat's claw creeper?

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 cat's claw creeper toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cat's Claw Creeper is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full cat's claw creeper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to cat's claw creeper?

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 cat's claw creeper pet-safety