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Is Clinton's Wood Fern toxic to dogs?

Dryopteris clintoniana

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists clinton's wood 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. Dryopteris clintoniana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution for all unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs.

What to do if your dog ate clinton's wood fern

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

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

Is clinton's wood fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is clinton's wood fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists clinton's wood 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. Dryopteris clintoniana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution for all unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats clinton's wood fern?

Dryopteris clintoniana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As a precaution for all unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs. 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 clinton's wood fern.

What should I do if my dog ate clinton's wood 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 clinton's wood fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Clinton's Wood Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full clinton's wood fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to clinton's wood 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 clinton's wood fern pet-safety