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Is Dutchman's Breeches toxic to dogs?

Dicentra cucullaria

Toxic to dogs

Yes — dutchman's breeches 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. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including isoquinolinone compounds) toxic to cats, cattle, and humans. Symptoms of ingestion include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and laboured breathing. Contact with sap can cause mild, short-lived skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. cucullaria, but the Dicentra genus is well-documented as toxic.

What to do if your dog ate dutchman's breeches

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

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

Is dutchman's breeches toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is dutchman's breeches toxic to dogs?

Yes — dutchman's breeches is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including isoquinolinone compounds) toxic to cats, cattle, and humans. Symptoms of ingestion include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and laboured breathing. Contact with sap can cause mild, short-lived skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. cucullaria, but the Dicentra genus is well-documented as toxic.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats dutchman's breeches?

All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (including isoquinolinone compounds) toxic to cats, cattle, and humans. Symptoms of ingestion include trembling, staggering, vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and laboured breathing. Contact with sap can cause mild, short-lived skin irritation. Keep away from pets and children. Not individually listed by ASPCA under D. cucullaria, but the Dicentra genus is well-documented as toxic. 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 dutchman's breeches.

What should I do if my dog ate dutchman's breeches?

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 dutchman's breeches toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Dutchman's Breeches is toxic to cats as well. See the full dutchman's breeches pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to dutchman's breeches?

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 dutchman's breeches pet-safety