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Is Claret Cup Cactus toxic to dogs?

Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists claret cup cactus 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. Echinocereus triglochidiatus is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant alkaloid or oxalate toxins are documented in the genus. The sharp spines can cause physical injury to pets. Ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal upset from the fibrous tissue. The fruits (red, edible for humans) are not known to be toxic to pets, but consumption in quantity may cause digestive upset.

What to do if your dog ate claret cup cactus

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

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

Is claret cup cactus toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is claret cup cactus toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists claret cup cactus 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. Echinocereus triglochidiatus is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant alkaloid or oxalate toxins are documented in the genus. The sharp spines can cause physical injury to pets. Ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal upset from the fibrous tissue. The fruits (red, edible for humans) are not known to be toxic to pets, but consumption in quantity may cause digestive upset.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats claret cup cactus?

Echinocereus triglochidiatus is not individually listed by ASPCA. No significant alkaloid or oxalate toxins are documented in the genus. The sharp spines can cause physical injury to pets. Ingestion may result in mild gastrointestinal upset from the fibrous tissue. The fruits (red, edible for humans) are not known to be toxic to pets, but consumption in quantity may cause digestive upset. 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 claret cup cactus.

What should I do if my dog ate claret cup cactus?

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 claret cup cactus toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Claret Cup Cactus is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full claret cup cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to claret cup cactus?

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 claret cup cactus pet-safety