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Pet safety

Is Inch Plant toxic to dogs?

Tradescantia fluminensis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — inch plant 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 Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis, family Commelinaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The sap causes dermatitis — skin and mouth irritation — and chewing the foliage can cause drooling and stomach upset, so keep it away from pets that nibble plants.

What to do if your dog ate inch plant

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

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

Is inch plant toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is inch plant toxic to dogs?

Yes — inch plant 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 Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis, family Commelinaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The sap causes dermatitis — skin and mouth irritation — and chewing the foliage can cause drooling and stomach upset, so keep it away from pets that nibble plants.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats inch plant?

The ASPCA lists Inch Plant (Tradescantia fluminensis, family Commelinaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The sap causes dermatitis — skin and mouth irritation — and chewing the foliage can cause drooling and stomach upset, so keep it away from pets that nibble 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 inch plant.

What should I do if my dog ate inch plant?

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 inch plant toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Inch Plant is toxic to cats as well. See the full inch plant pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to inch plant?

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 inch plant pet-safety