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Is Asparagus Fern 'Sprengeri' toxic to dogs?

Asparagus densiflorus 'Sprengeri'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — asparagus fern 'sprengeri' 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 ASPCA lists Sprengeri fern (Asparagus densiflorus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is sapogenin, a steroid; berry ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, while repeated skin contact may cause allergic dermatitis. Despite the 'fern' name it is not a true fern. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate asparagus fern 'sprengeri'

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

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

Is asparagus fern 'sprengeri' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is asparagus fern 'sprengeri' toxic to dogs?

Yes — asparagus fern 'sprengeri' is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Sprengeri fern (Asparagus densiflorus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is sapogenin, a steroid; berry ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, while repeated skin contact may cause allergic dermatitis. Despite the 'fern' name it is not a true fern. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats asparagus fern 'sprengeri'?

The ASPCA lists Sprengeri fern (Asparagus densiflorus) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is sapogenin, a steroid; berry ingestion can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea, while repeated skin contact may cause allergic dermatitis. Despite the 'fern' name it is not a true fern. Keep away from pets and children. 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 asparagus fern 'sprengeri'.

What should I do if my dog ate asparagus fern 'sprengeri'?

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 asparagus fern 'sprengeri' toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Asparagus Fern 'Sprengeri' is toxic to cats as well. See the full asparagus fern 'sprengeri' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to asparagus fern 'sprengeri'?

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 asparagus fern 'sprengeri' pet-safety