Is Helleborus orientalis 'Ivory Prince' toxic to dogs?

Yes — helleborus orientalis 'ivory prince' is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Hellebore (Helleborus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, and this hybrid shares that toxicity. Toxic principles include bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and protoanemonin; ingestion can cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic and depression.

ASPCA lists Hellebore (Helleborus species) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, and this hybrid shares that toxicity. Toxic principles include bufadienolides, glycosides, veratrin and protoanemonin; ingestion can cause drooling, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, colic and depression. 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 helleborus orientalis 'ivory prince'.

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: Helleborus orientalis 'Ivory Prince' is toxic to cats as well. See the full helleborus orientalis 'ivory prince' 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.