Pet safety
Is Common Nardoo toxic to dogs?
Marsilea drummondii
Yes — common nardoo is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature.
What to do if your dog ate common nardoo
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move common nardoo out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of common nardoo to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten common nardoo, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is common nardoo toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is common nardoo toxic to dogs?
Yes — common nardoo is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats common nardoo?
Marsilea drummondii contains a potent thiaminase enzyme that destroys vitamin B1 (thiamine). Ingestion by livestock (sheep, horses) causes serious neurological damage. The same risk applies to dogs, cats, and other pets. Raw sporocarps are also toxic to humans. Keep away from all animals. Not listed individually by ASPCA, but the thiaminase content is documented in the veterinary literature. 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 nardoo.
What should I do if my dog ate common nardoo?
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 nardoo toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common Nardoo is toxic to cats as well. See the full common nardoo pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to common nardoo?
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 nardoo pet-safety
- Is common nardoo toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is common nardoo toxic to cats?
- My dog ate common nardoo — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete common nardoo care guide