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Is Northern Buckler Fern toxic to dogs?

Dryopteris expansa

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists northern buckler 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. Dryopteris expansa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal signs in cats and dogs; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests plant material.

What to do if your dog ate northern buckler fern

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

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

Is northern buckler fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is northern buckler fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists northern buckler 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. Dryopteris expansa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal signs in cats and dogs; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests plant material.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats northern buckler fern?

Dryopteris expansa is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. As with unlisted Dryopteris species, treat as mildly-toxic: ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal signs in cats and dogs; seek veterinary advice if a pet ingests plant material. 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 northern buckler fern.

What should I do if my dog ate northern buckler 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 northern buckler fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Northern Buckler Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full northern buckler fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to northern buckler 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 northern buckler fern pet-safety