Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Spring Meadow Saffron toxic to dogs?

Bulbocodium vernum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — spring meadow saffron 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. Bulbocodium vernum (synonym Colchicum bulbocodium) belongs to the Colchicaceae family and contains colchicine — the same highly toxic alkaloid found in Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus). All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. In pets, colchicine ingestion causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, neurological signs, multi-organ failure, and can be fatal. Resemblance to edible wild garlic leaves or crocus corms makes accidental ingestion a risk. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate spring meadow saffron

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

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

Is spring meadow saffron toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spring meadow saffron toxic to dogs?

Yes — spring meadow saffron is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bulbocodium vernum (synonym Colchicum bulbocodium) belongs to the Colchicaceae family and contains colchicine — the same highly toxic alkaloid found in Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus). All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. In pets, colchicine ingestion causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, neurological signs, multi-organ failure, and can be fatal. Resemblance to edible wild garlic leaves or crocus corms makes accidental ingestion a risk. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats spring meadow saffron?

Bulbocodium vernum (synonym Colchicum bulbocodium) belongs to the Colchicaceae family and contains colchicine — the same highly toxic alkaloid found in Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus). All parts of the plant are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. In pets, colchicine ingestion causes severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, neurological signs, multi-organ failure, and can be fatal. Resemblance to edible wild garlic leaves or crocus corms makes accidental ingestion a risk. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 spring meadow saffron.

What should I do if my dog ate spring meadow saffron?

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 spring meadow saffron toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spring Meadow Saffron is toxic to cats as well. See the full spring meadow saffron pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to spring meadow saffron?

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 spring meadow saffron pet-safety