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Is Ernst's Spurflower toxic to dogs?

Plectranthus ernstii

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ernst's spurflower 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains essential oils that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity; keep pets from chewing the plant as a precaution.

What to do if your dog ate ernst's spurflower

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

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

Is ernst's spurflower toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is ernst's spurflower toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ernst's spurflower 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains essential oils that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity; keep pets from chewing the plant as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats ernst's spurflower?

Not individually listed by ASPCA. The foliage contains essential oils that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset (drooling, vomiting) if ingested by cats or dogs in quantity; keep pets from chewing the plant as a precaution. 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 ernst's spurflower.

What should I do if my dog ate ernst's spurflower?

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 ernst's spurflower toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ernst's Spurflower is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full ernst's spurflower pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to ernst's spurflower?

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 ernst's spurflower pet-safety