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Is Common Bird's-foot Trefoil toxic to dogs?

Lotus corniculatus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bird's-foot trefoil 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. Contains cyanogenic glycosides (principally lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when plant tissue is damaged; large quantities can cause vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress in dogs and cats. Not listed individually on the ASPCA database; classified as mildly toxic based on confirmed cyanogenic glycoside content.

What to do if your dog ate common bird's-foot trefoil

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move common bird's-foot trefoil 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 common bird's-foot trefoil to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is common bird's-foot trefoil toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common bird's-foot trefoil toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common bird's-foot trefoil 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. Contains cyanogenic glycosides (principally lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when plant tissue is damaged; large quantities can cause vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress in dogs and cats. Not listed individually on the ASPCA database; classified as mildly toxic based on confirmed cyanogenic glycoside content.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common bird's-foot trefoil?

Contains cyanogenic glycosides (principally lotaustralin) that release hydrogen cyanide when plant tissue is damaged; large quantities can cause vomiting, lethargy, and respiratory distress in dogs and cats. Not listed individually on the ASPCA database; classified as mildly toxic based on confirmed cyanogenic glycoside content. 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 common bird's-foot trefoil.

What should I do if my dog ate common bird's-foot trefoil?

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 common bird's-foot trefoil toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Bird's-foot Trefoil is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full common bird's-foot trefoil pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to common bird's-foot trefoil?

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 common bird's-foot trefoil pet-safety