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Is Indian Coleus toxic to dogs?

Plectranthus barbatus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists indian coleus 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this plant.

What to do if your dog ate indian coleus

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

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

Is indian coleus toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is indian coleus toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists indian coleus 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. Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats indian coleus?

Not individually listed by ASPCA. The plant contains essential oils and the diterpene forskolin; documented embryotoxic activity in rodents at high doses has been recorded, and ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or mild skin irritation in cats and dogs — keep pets away from this 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 indian coleus.

What should I do if my dog ate indian coleus?

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 indian coleus toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Indian Coleus is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full indian coleus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to indian coleus?

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 indian coleus pet-safety