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Pet safety

Is Lady in Red Fern toxic to dogs?

Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lady in red 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. Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and some sources note filicic acid in the rhizome that can irritate in quantity; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

What to do if your dog ate lady in red fern

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

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

Is lady in red fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is lady in red fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists lady in red 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. Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and some sources note filicic acid in the rhizome that can irritate in quantity; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats lady in red fern?

Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina 'Lady in Red') is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and some sources note filicic acid in the rhizome that can irritate in quantity; treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is pet-safe. 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 lady in red fern.

What should I do if my dog ate lady in red 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 lady in red fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lady in Red Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full lady in red fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to lady in red 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 lady in red fern pet-safety