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Is Hemlock Water Dropwort toxic to dogs?

Oenanthe crocata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — hemlock water dropwort 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. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What to do if your dog ate hemlock water dropwort

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

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

Is hemlock water dropwort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hemlock water dropwort toxic to dogs?

Yes — hemlock water dropwort is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hemlock water dropwort?

Considered the most poisonous plant native to Britain. Contains oenanthotoxin (a potent CNS polyacetylene neurotoxin acting as a GABA antagonist) and coniine in all plant parts, with highest concentrations in the tuberous roots. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cattle, and humans. Clinical signs: drooling, frothing, severe gastrointestinal upset, ataxia, tremors, violent seizures, rhabdomyolysis, cardiac dysrhythmia, respiratory failure, and death — potentially within minutes of ingestion of even small amounts. Always handle with gloves; wash hands thoroughly after contact. 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 hemlock water dropwort.

What should I do if my dog ate hemlock water dropwort?

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 hemlock water dropwort toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hemlock Water Dropwort is toxic to cats as well. See the full hemlock water dropwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hemlock water dropwort?

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 hemlock water dropwort pet-safety