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Pet safety

Is Pinwheel Flower toxic to dogs?

Tabernaemontana divaricata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — pinwheel flower 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 Tabernaemontana divaricata contain toxic alkaloids (coronaridine, voacangine, tabersonine) typical of the Apocynaceae family. The milky latex is a skin and eye irritant. Although Tabernaemontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, the genus belongs to a toxic Apocynaceae clade — treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and keep away from children. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis.

What to do if your dog ate pinwheel flower

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

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

Is pinwheel flower toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is pinwheel flower toxic to dogs?

Yes — pinwheel flower 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 Tabernaemontana divaricata contain toxic alkaloids (coronaridine, voacangine, tabersonine) typical of the Apocynaceae family. The milky latex is a skin and eye irritant. Although Tabernaemontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, the genus belongs to a toxic Apocynaceae clade — treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and keep away from children. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats pinwheel flower?

All parts of Tabernaemontana divaricata contain toxic alkaloids (coronaridine, voacangine, tabersonine) typical of the Apocynaceae family. The milky latex is a skin and eye irritant. Although Tabernaemontana is not individually listed in the ASPCA database, the genus belongs to a toxic Apocynaceae clade — treat as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses and keep away from children. Contact with sap may cause dermatitis. 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 pinwheel flower.

What should I do if my dog ate pinwheel flower?

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 pinwheel flower toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to pinwheel flower?

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 pinwheel flower pet-safety