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Pet safety

Is Soapwort toxic to dogs?

Saponaria officinalis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — soapwort 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. Saponaria officinalis contains triterpene saponins (including saporubin and oleanolic acid glycosides) throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the roots. Ingestion by cats and dogs can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and in large doses, more severe systemic effects. The ASPCA does not list Saponaria as non-toxic; saponin toxicity is well documented in veterinary literature. Keep pets away from all parts of the plant.

What to do if your dog ate soapwort

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

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

Is soapwort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is soapwort toxic to dogs?

Yes — soapwort is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Saponaria officinalis contains triterpene saponins (including saporubin and oleanolic acid glycosides) throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the roots. Ingestion by cats and dogs can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and in large doses, more severe systemic effects. The ASPCA does not list Saponaria as non-toxic; saponin toxicity is well documented in veterinary literature. Keep pets away from all parts of the plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats soapwort?

Saponaria officinalis contains triterpene saponins (including saporubin and oleanolic acid glycosides) throughout the plant, with the highest concentration in the roots. Ingestion by cats and dogs can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive salivation, haemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), and in large doses, more severe systemic effects. The ASPCA does not list Saponaria as non-toxic; saponin toxicity is well documented in veterinary literature. Keep pets away from all parts of the plant. 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 soapwort.

What should I do if my dog ate soapwort?

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 soapwort toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to soapwort?

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 soapwort pet-safety