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Is Prickly Saltwort toxic to dogs?

Salsola kali

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly saltwort 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. Salsola kali is not specifically listed in the ASPCA database. However, the plant is known to accumulate soluble oxalates and nitrates, particularly in young leaves and in plants grown in nitrogen-rich soils. Oxalate accumulation can cause kidney damage and hypocalcaemia in livestock and potentially in cats and dogs if consumed in significant quantity. The sharp, hardened spine-tips on mature plants also pose a physical injury risk. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution; consult a veterinarian if pet ingestion occurs.

What to do if your dog ate prickly saltwort

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

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

Is prickly saltwort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is prickly saltwort toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists prickly saltwort 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. Salsola kali is not specifically listed in the ASPCA database. However, the plant is known to accumulate soluble oxalates and nitrates, particularly in young leaves and in plants grown in nitrogen-rich soils. Oxalate accumulation can cause kidney damage and hypocalcaemia in livestock and potentially in cats and dogs if consumed in significant quantity. The sharp, hardened spine-tips on mature plants also pose a physical injury risk. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution; consult a veterinarian if pet ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats prickly saltwort?

Salsola kali is not specifically listed in the ASPCA database. However, the plant is known to accumulate soluble oxalates and nitrates, particularly in young leaves and in plants grown in nitrogen-rich soils. Oxalate accumulation can cause kidney damage and hypocalcaemia in livestock and potentially in cats and dogs if consumed in significant quantity. The sharp, hardened spine-tips on mature plants also pose a physical injury risk. Classified as mildly-toxic out of caution; consult a veterinarian if pet ingestion occurs. 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 prickly saltwort.

What should I do if my dog ate prickly saltwort?

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 prickly saltwort toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Prickly Saltwort is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full prickly saltwort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to prickly saltwort?

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 prickly saltwort pet-safety