Pet safety
Is Bear Paw toxic to dogs?
Cotyledon tomentosa
Yes — bear paw 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. Cotyledon tomentosa is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and no Cotyledon species appear on it. However, the Cotyledon genus is documented to contain cumulative cardiac-glycoside toxins (bufadienolides) — the same toxin class that makes related Kalanchoe ASPCA-toxic — so it should be treated as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet.
What to do if your dog ate bear paw
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move bear paw 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 bear paw to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten bear paw, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is bear paw toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is bear paw toxic to dogs?
Yes — bear paw is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cotyledon tomentosa is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and no Cotyledon species appear on it. However, the Cotyledon genus is documented to contain cumulative cardiac-glycoside toxins (bufadienolides) — the same toxin class that makes related Kalanchoe ASPCA-toxic — so it should be treated as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats bear paw?
Cotyledon tomentosa is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database, and no Cotyledon species appear on it. However, the Cotyledon genus is documented to contain cumulative cardiac-glycoside toxins (bufadienolides) — the same toxin class that makes related Kalanchoe ASPCA-toxic — so it should be treated as toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and, in larger amounts, heart-rhythm disturbances. Keep away from pets and verify with your vet. 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 bear paw.
What should I do if my dog ate bear paw?
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 bear paw toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bear Paw is toxic to cats as well. See the full bear paw pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to bear paw?
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 bear paw pet-safety
- Is bear paw toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is bear paw toxic to cats?
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete bear paw care guide