Pet safety
Is Ranunculus asiaticus toxic to dogs?
Ranunculus asiaticus
Yes — ranunculus asiaticus 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 Ranunculus (buttercup) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is ranunculin, converted to the irritant protoanemonin when tissue is chewed; the flowers contain the highest amount. Signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral ulcers and an unsteady gait. Keep corms and cut stems away from pets.
What to do if your dog ate ranunculus asiaticus
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move ranunculus asiaticus out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of ranunculus asiaticus to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten ranunculus asiaticus, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is ranunculus asiaticus toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is ranunculus asiaticus toxic to dogs?
Yes — ranunculus asiaticus is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Ranunculus (buttercup) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is ranunculin, converted to the irritant protoanemonin when tissue is chewed; the flowers contain the highest amount. Signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral ulcers and an unsteady gait. Keep corms and cut stems away from pets.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats ranunculus asiaticus?
ASPCA lists Ranunculus (buttercup) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is ranunculin, converted to the irritant protoanemonin when tissue is chewed; the flowers contain the highest amount. Signs include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, oral ulcers and an unsteady gait. Keep corms and cut stems away from 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 ranunculus asiaticus.
What should I do if my dog ate ranunculus asiaticus?
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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is ranunculus asiaticus toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ranunculus asiaticus is toxic to cats as well. See the full ranunculus asiaticus pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to ranunculus asiaticus?
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.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Full ranunculus asiaticus pet-safety
- Is ranunculus asiaticus toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is ranunculus asiaticus toxic to cats?
- My dog ate ranunculus asiaticus — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete ranunculus asiaticus care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.