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Is Sabre-Leaved Hottentot Fig toxic to dogs?

Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sabre-leaved hottentot fig 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. Carpobrotus acinaciformis is not listed by the ASPCA, and the closely related C. edulis is generally not considered highly toxic. However, the sap contains oxalic acid and irritant compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in dogs and cats if ingested or contacted. Classify as mildly toxic and keep pets away from the plant as a precaution.

What to do if your dog ate sabre-leaved hottentot fig

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move sabre-leaved hottentot fig 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 sabre-leaved hottentot fig to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is sabre-leaved hottentot fig toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sabre-leaved hottentot fig toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sabre-leaved hottentot fig 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. Carpobrotus acinaciformis is not listed by the ASPCA, and the closely related C. edulis is generally not considered highly toxic. However, the sap contains oxalic acid and irritant compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in dogs and cats if ingested or contacted. Classify as mildly toxic and keep pets away from the plant as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sabre-leaved hottentot fig?

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is not listed by the ASPCA, and the closely related C. edulis is generally not considered highly toxic. However, the sap contains oxalic acid and irritant compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation in dogs and cats if ingested or contacted. Classify as mildly toxic and keep pets away from the plant as a precaution. 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 sabre-leaved hottentot fig.

What should I do if my dog ate sabre-leaved hottentot fig?

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 sabre-leaved hottentot fig toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sabre-Leaved Hottentot Fig is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full sabre-leaved hottentot fig pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to sabre-leaved hottentot fig?

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 sabre-leaved hottentot fig pet-safety