Is Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists catalpa bignonioides 'aurea' 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Catalpa, the leaves and roots reportedly contain catalpol and iridoid glycosides, and chewing leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in pets.

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. As a Catalpa, the leaves and roots reportedly contain catalpol and iridoid glycosides, and chewing leaves, flowers or seed pods may cause vomiting and diarrhoea in 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 catalpa bignonioides 'aurea'.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Catalpa bignonioides 'Aurea' is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full catalpa bignonioides 'aurea' pet-safety guide for both species.

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.