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Pet safety

Is Painted Nettle toxic to dogs?

Plectranthus scutellarioides

Toxic to dogs

Yes — painted nettle 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. ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all pets.

What to do if your dog ate painted nettle

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

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

Is painted nettle toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is painted nettle toxic to dogs?

Yes — painted nettle is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats painted nettle?

ASPCA lists Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils (including diterpene constituents). Signs of ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Keep the plant out of reach of all pets. 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 painted nettle.

What should I do if my dog ate painted nettle?

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 painted nettle toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to painted nettle?

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 painted nettle pet-safety