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Pet safety

Is Mayapple toxic to dogs?

Podophyllum peltatum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — mayapple 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. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate mayapple

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

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

Is mayapple toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is mayapple toxic to dogs?

Yes — mayapple is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats mayapple?

Podophyllum peltatum is highly toxic to pets and humans. All parts of the plant — roots, leaves, stems, seeds, and unripe fruit — contain podophyllotoxin, a cytotoxic resin that causes severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, diarrhoea, and can affect the nervous system. Only fully ripe yellow fruit flesh is reportedly edible in small amounts for humans, but seeds inside remain toxic. ASPCA lists this plant as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep entirely out of reach of pets and children. 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 mayapple.

What should I do if my dog ate mayapple?

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 mayapple toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to mayapple?

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 mayapple pet-safety