Is Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' toxic to dogs?

Yes — lamprocapnos spectabilis 'alba' is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling and staggering; large quantities may cause seizures. Handling may irritate skin.

Bleeding heart (Dicentra/Lamprocapnos) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. All parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine, sanguinarine and related compounds). Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, trembling and staggering; large quantities may cause seizures. Handling may irritate skin. 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 lamprocapnos spectabilis 'alba'.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK 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: Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Alba' is toxic to cats as well. See the full lamprocapnos spectabilis 'alba' 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.