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Pet safety

Is Valentine Bleeding Heart toxic to dogs?

Lamprocapnos spectabilis 'Valentine'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — valentine bleeding heart 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. Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos/Dicentra) is recognised as toxic to cats and dogs; all parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids. Reported signs include trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with larger ingestions risking more serious effects. The sap may also irritate skin — keep away from pets and wear gloves when handling.

What to do if your dog ate valentine bleeding heart

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

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

Is valentine bleeding heart toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is valentine bleeding heart toxic to dogs?

Yes — valentine bleeding heart is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos/Dicentra) is recognised as toxic to cats and dogs; all parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids. Reported signs include trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with larger ingestions risking more serious effects. The sap may also irritate skin — keep away from pets and wear gloves when handling.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats valentine bleeding heart?

Bleeding heart (Lamprocapnos/Dicentra) is recognised as toxic to cats and dogs; all parts contain isoquinoline alkaloids. Reported signs include trembling, staggering, drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with larger ingestions risking more serious effects. The sap may also irritate skin — keep away from pets and wear gloves when handling. 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 valentine bleeding heart.

What should I do if my dog ate valentine bleeding heart?

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 valentine bleeding heart toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Valentine Bleeding Heart is toxic to cats as well. See the full valentine bleeding heart pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to valentine bleeding heart?

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 valentine bleeding heart pet-safety