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Pet safety

Is Bird of Paradise toxic to dogs?

Strelitzia reginae

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird of paradise 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. The ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the leaves or seeds can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep away from pets that chew plants.

What to do if your dog ate bird of paradise

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

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

Is bird of paradise toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is bird of paradise toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bird of paradise 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. The ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the leaves or seeds can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep away from pets that chew plants.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats bird of paradise?

The ASPCA lists Strelitzia reginae as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the leaves or seeds can cause mild nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Keep away from pets that chew plants. 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 bird of paradise.

What should I do if my dog ate bird of paradise?

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 bird of paradise toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bird of Paradise is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full bird of paradise pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to bird of paradise?

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 bird of paradise pet-safety