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Pet safety

Is Hellebore toxic to dogs?

Helleborus orientalis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — hellebore 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. ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation.

What to do if your dog ate hellebore

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

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

Is hellebore toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hellebore toxic to dogs?

Yes — hellebore is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hellebore?

ASPCA lists Helleborus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to cardiac glycosides (helleborin, helleborein). Causes vomiting, drooling, slow heart rate, and rare seizures. Sap also causes skin irritation. 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 hellebore.

What should I do if my dog ate hellebore?

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 hellebore toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to hellebore?

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 hellebore pet-safety