Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Crested Bracken toxic to dogs?

Pteridium aquilinum 'Cristatum'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — crested bracken 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. ASPCA lists Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) as toxic. The toxic principles are ptaquiloside (a norsesquiterpene glycoside, carcinogenic and causes bone-marrow aplasia) and thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1). Primarily documented in horses, cattle, and sheep; dogs can also be affected (neurological signs, bone-marrow suppression). Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What to do if your dog ate crested bracken

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

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

Is crested bracken toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is crested bracken toxic to dogs?

Yes — crested bracken is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) as toxic. The toxic principles are ptaquiloside (a norsesquiterpene glycoside, carcinogenic and causes bone-marrow aplasia) and thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1). Primarily documented in horses, cattle, and sheep; dogs can also be affected (neurological signs, bone-marrow suppression). Keep away from all pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats crested bracken?

ASPCA lists Pteridium aquilinum (bracken fern) as toxic. The toxic principles are ptaquiloside (a norsesquiterpene glycoside, carcinogenic and causes bone-marrow aplasia) and thiaminase (destroys vitamin B1). Primarily documented in horses, cattle, and sheep; dogs can also be affected (neurological signs, bone-marrow suppression). Keep away from all pets and livestock. 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 crested bracken.

What should I do if my dog ate crested bracken?

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 crested bracken toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crested Bracken is toxic to cats as well. See the full crested bracken pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to crested bracken?

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 crested bracken pet-safety