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Is Sea Pea toxic to dogs?

Lathyrus japonicus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — sea pea 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. The entire Lathyrus genus contains the neurotoxic amino acid beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), particularly concentrated in the seeds. The ASPCA lists Lathyrus (sweet pea) as toxic to horses (aminoproprionitrite causing weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and possible death); effects in dogs and cats are generally gastrointestinal at low doses but neurological damage (lathyrism) is possible with repeated or large-dose ingestion. Treat all Lathyrus as toxic to pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your dog ate sea pea

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

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

Is sea pea toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sea pea toxic to dogs?

Yes — sea pea is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The entire Lathyrus genus contains the neurotoxic amino acid beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), particularly concentrated in the seeds. The ASPCA lists Lathyrus (sweet pea) as toxic to horses (aminoproprionitrite causing weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and possible death); effects in dogs and cats are generally gastrointestinal at low doses but neurological damage (lathyrism) is possible with repeated or large-dose ingestion. Treat all Lathyrus as toxic to pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sea pea?

The entire Lathyrus genus contains the neurotoxic amino acid beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), particularly concentrated in the seeds. The ASPCA lists Lathyrus (sweet pea) as toxic to horses (aminoproprionitrite causing weakness, lethargy, tremors, seizures, and possible death); effects in dogs and cats are generally gastrointestinal at low doses but neurological damage (lathyrism) is possible with repeated or large-dose ingestion. Treat all Lathyrus as toxic to pets and contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) if 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 sea pea.

What should I do if my dog ate sea pea?

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 pea toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to sea pea?

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 pea pet-safety