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Pet safety

Is Fly Orchid toxic to dogs?

Ophrys insectifera

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fly orchid 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. Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species.

What to do if your dog ate fly orchid

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

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

Is fly orchid toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is fly orchid toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists fly orchid 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. Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats fly orchid?

Ophrys insectifera is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The Orchidaceae family is broadly considered low-risk, but ingestion of tubers may cause mild gastrointestinal upset; classified as mildly-toxic in the absence of a confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing for this wild species. 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 fly orchid.

What should I do if my dog ate fly orchid?

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 fly orchid toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Fly Orchid is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full fly orchid pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to fly orchid?

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 fly orchid pet-safety