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Is Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) toxic to dogs?

Plumbago auriculata

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape leadwort (blue plumbago) 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. True Plumbago auriculata is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database — and the ASPCA "Plumbago Larpentiae" entry that shows as non-toxic is actually a different genus, Ceratostigma larpentiae, so it does NOT clear this plant. Because the whole plant contains plumbagin, a naphthoquinone that causes contact dermatitis/blistering and GI upset if eaten, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with your vet.

What to do if your dog ate cape leadwort (blue plumbago)

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move cape leadwort (blue plumbago) 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 cape leadwort (blue plumbago) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is cape leadwort (blue plumbago) toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cape leadwort (blue plumbago) toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cape leadwort (blue plumbago) 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. True Plumbago auriculata is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database — and the ASPCA "Plumbago Larpentiae" entry that shows as non-toxic is actually a different genus, Ceratostigma larpentiae, so it does NOT clear this plant. Because the whole plant contains plumbagin, a naphthoquinone that causes contact dermatitis/blistering and GI upset if eaten, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with your vet.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

True Plumbago auriculata is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic database — and the ASPCA "Plumbago Larpentiae" entry that shows as non-toxic is actually a different genus, Ceratostigma larpentiae, so it does NOT clear this plant. Because the whole plant contains plumbagin, a naphthoquinone that causes contact dermatitis/blistering and GI upset if eaten, treat it as mildly toxic, keep pets from chewing it, and verify with your vet. 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 cape leadwort (blue plumbago).

What should I do if my dog ate cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

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 cape leadwort (blue plumbago) toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cape Leadwort (Blue Plumbago) is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full cape leadwort (blue plumbago) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to cape leadwort (blue plumbago)?

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 cape leadwort (blue plumbago) pet-safety