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Is Sidebells Penstemon toxic to dogs?

Penstemon secundiflorus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sidebells penstemon 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. Penstemon is not individually listed by ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists. Some Penstemon species are facultative selenium accumulators on selenium-rich western soils; excessive selenium intake is harmful to pets and livestock. No severe acute toxicity is documented for garden exposure. Contact a vet if a pet ingests large quantities.

What to do if your dog ate sidebells penstemon

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

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

Is sidebells penstemon toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sidebells penstemon toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists sidebells penstemon 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. Penstemon is not individually listed by ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists. Some Penstemon species are facultative selenium accumulators on selenium-rich western soils; excessive selenium intake is harmful to pets and livestock. No severe acute toxicity is documented for garden exposure. Contact a vet if a pet ingests large quantities.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sidebells penstemon?

Penstemon is not individually listed by ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists. Some Penstemon species are facultative selenium accumulators on selenium-rich western soils; excessive selenium intake is harmful to pets and livestock. No severe acute toxicity is documented for garden exposure. Contact a vet if a pet ingests large quantities. 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 sidebells penstemon.

What should I do if my dog ate sidebells penstemon?

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 sidebells penstemon toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Sidebells Penstemon is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full sidebells penstemon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to sidebells penstemon?

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 sidebells penstemon pet-safety