Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Firesticks Plant toxic to dogs?

Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — firesticks plant 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. Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate firesticks plant

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

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

Is firesticks plant toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is firesticks plant toxic to dogs?

Yes — firesticks plant is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats firesticks plant?

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats and dogs. The milky latex sap is the toxic principle: it severely irritates the mouth, skin and especially the eyes (risking corneal injury) and causes drooling and vomiting if ingested. Always wear gloves and eye protection; keep well away from pets and children. 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 firesticks plant.

What should I do if my dog ate firesticks plant?

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 firesticks plant toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Firesticks Plant is toxic to cats as well. See the full firesticks plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to firesticks plant?

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 firesticks plant pet-safety