Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Spatterdock toxic to dogs?

Nuphar advena

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spatterdock 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. Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids.

What to do if your dog ate spatterdock

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

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

Is spatterdock toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spatterdock toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spatterdock 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. Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats spatterdock?

Nuphar advena is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but Nuphar species contain nupharine and related alkaloids (thiaspinic acid derivatives) that are reported to cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity by pets or livestock. Treat as mildly toxic; prevent pets from consuming rhizomes or flowers. Rhizomes were historically prepared and eaten by indigenous peoples after cooking, which neutralises some alkaloids. 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 spatterdock.

What should I do if my dog ate spatterdock?

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 spatterdock toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to spatterdock?

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 spatterdock pet-safety