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Pet safety

Is Chinese Brake Fern toxic to dogs?

Pteris multifida 'Cristata'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese brake fern 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. Pteris multifida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Pteris genus as a whole lacks formal pet-toxicity assessments. As a precaution this species is classified as mildly toxic; it should be kept out of reach of pets.

What to do if your dog ate chinese brake fern

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

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

Is chinese brake fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is chinese brake fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese brake fern 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. Pteris multifida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Pteris genus as a whole lacks formal pet-toxicity assessments. As a precaution this species is classified as mildly toxic; it should be kept out of reach of pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats chinese brake fern?

Pteris multifida is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Pteris genus as a whole lacks formal pet-toxicity assessments. As a precaution this species is classified as mildly toxic; it should be kept out of reach of 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 chinese brake fern.

What should I do if my dog ate chinese brake fern?

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 chinese brake fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese Brake Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full chinese brake fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to chinese brake fern?

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 chinese brake fern pet-safety