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Is Gout Plant toxic to dogs?

Jatropha podagrica

Toxic to dogs

Yes — gout 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. All parts of Jatropha podagrica are toxic to pets and humans. The seeds contain curcin, a toxalbumin with mechanisms similar to ricin, and purgative diterpenoid esters. Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), and seed ingestion can cause hepatic damage. The milky latex sap causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. The Queensland Poisons Information Centre classifies all parts as highly toxic. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, and children.

What to do if your dog ate gout plant

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

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

Is gout plant toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is gout plant toxic to dogs?

Yes — gout plant is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Jatropha podagrica are toxic to pets and humans. The seeds contain curcin, a toxalbumin with mechanisms similar to ricin, and purgative diterpenoid esters. Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), and seed ingestion can cause hepatic damage. The milky latex sap causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. The Queensland Poisons Information Centre classifies all parts as highly toxic. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats gout plant?

All parts of Jatropha podagrica are toxic to pets and humans. The seeds contain curcin, a toxalbumin with mechanisms similar to ricin, and purgative diterpenoid esters. Ingestion causes severe gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain), and seed ingestion can cause hepatic damage. The milky latex sap causes skin and mucous membrane irritation. The Queensland Poisons Information Centre classifies all parts as highly toxic. Keep strictly away from dogs, cats, 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 gout plant.

What should I do if my dog ate gout 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 gout plant toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to gout 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 gout plant pet-safety