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Pet safety

Is Crown Vetch toxic to dogs?

Coronilla varia

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crown vetch 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. Coronilla varia contains nitro-glycosides (coronillin and related compounds) that are documented as toxic to horses (causing ataxia and respiratory distress) and potentially harmful to other grazing animals. The ASPCA does not list it specifically for cats/dogs, but given its documented toxicity in mammals via glycoside content, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant amounts.

What to do if your dog ate crown vetch

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

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

Is crown vetch toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is crown vetch toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists crown vetch 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. Coronilla varia contains nitro-glycosides (coronillin and related compounds) that are documented as toxic to horses (causing ataxia and respiratory distress) and potentially harmful to other grazing animals. The ASPCA does not list it specifically for cats/dogs, but given its documented toxicity in mammals via glycoside content, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant amounts.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats crown vetch?

Coronilla varia contains nitro-glycosides (coronillin and related compounds) that are documented as toxic to horses (causing ataxia and respiratory distress) and potentially harmful to other grazing animals. The ASPCA does not list it specifically for cats/dogs, but given its documented toxicity in mammals via glycoside content, it is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. Seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests significant amounts. 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 crown vetch.

What should I do if my dog ate crown vetch?

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 crown vetch toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Crown Vetch is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full crown vetch pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to crown vetch?

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 crown vetch pet-safety