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Is Hare's Foot Fern toxic to dogs?

Phlebodium pseudoaureum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hare's foot fern 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. Phlebodium pseudoaureum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus Phlebodium is not covered, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Note that the ASPCA-listed Rabbit's Foot Fern is Davallia, a different genus, so that listing does not apply here. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it.

What to do if your dog ate hare's foot fern

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

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

Is hare's foot fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hare's foot fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hare's foot fern 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. Phlebodium pseudoaureum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus Phlebodium is not covered, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Note that the ASPCA-listed Rabbit's Foot Fern is Davallia, a different genus, so that listing does not apply here. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hare's foot fern?

Phlebodium pseudoaureum is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, and the genus Phlebodium is not covered, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe. Note that the ASPCA-listed Rabbit's Foot Fern is Davallia, a different genus, so that listing does not apply here. Treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet chews it. 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 hare's foot fern.

What should I do if my dog ate hare's foot fern?

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 hare's foot fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hare's Foot Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full hare's foot fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hare's foot fern?

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 hare's foot fern pet-safety