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Pet safety

Is Larkspur toxic to dogs?

Consolida ajacis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — larkspur 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. All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your dog ate larkspur

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

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

Is larkspur toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes — larkspur is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats larkspur?

All parts of Consolida ajacis (larkspur) are toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and livestock. The plant contains norditerpenoid alkaloids including delphinine, which cause neuromuscular blockade, cardiac arrhythmias, and death in large doses. The ASPCA lists Delphinium/Consolida genera as toxic to dogs and cats. Keep away from all pets and children; wear gloves when handling. 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 larkspur.

What should I do if my dog ate larkspur?

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 larkspur toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Larkspur is toxic to cats as well. See the full larkspur pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to larkspur?

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 larkspur pet-safety