Is Guatemalan Spiral Ginger toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists guatemalan spiral ginger 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. Although the flower petals are eaten by humans and used as edible garnishes, Costus productus is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. The genus contains saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic for pets and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of the plant.

Although the flower petals are eaten by humans and used as edible garnishes, Costus productus is not listed in the ASPCA toxic plant database. The genus contains saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic for pets and seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests any part of the plant. 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 guatemalan spiral ginger.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Guatemalan Spiral Ginger is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full guatemalan spiral ginger pet-safety guide for both species.

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.