Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Sea Holly toxic to dogs?

Eryngium planum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea holly 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. Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling pets.

What to do if your dog ate sea holly

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

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

Is sea holly toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sea holly toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sea holly 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. Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sea holly?

Eryngium is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is uncertain; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not known to be seriously poisonous, and its very spiny foliage and flower heads act as a strong physical deterrent to nibbling 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 sea holly.

What should I do if my dog ate sea holly?

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 sea holly toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sea Holly is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full sea holly pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to sea holly?

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 sea holly pet-safety