Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Spear Head toxic to dogs?

Senecio kleiniiformis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — spear head 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. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses as a Senecio species, consistent with ASPCA listings for the genus. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and with large repeated doses, liver damage. Not safe for pet-occupied homes where plant chewing may occur.

What to do if your dog ate spear head

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

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

Is spear head toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spear head toxic to dogs?

Yes — spear head is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses as a Senecio species, consistent with ASPCA listings for the genus. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and with large repeated doses, liver damage. Not safe for pet-occupied homes where plant chewing may occur.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats spear head?

Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses as a Senecio species, consistent with ASPCA listings for the genus. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, and with large repeated doses, liver damage. Not safe for pet-occupied homes where plant chewing may occur. 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 spear head.

What should I do if my dog ate spear head?

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 spear head toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to spear head?

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 spear head pet-safety