Is Variegated Bear's Paw toxic to dogs?

Yes — variegated bear's paw is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cotyledon tomentosa, like all Cotyledon species, contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or livestock can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Keep out of reach of all pets and children. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

Cotyledon tomentosa, like all Cotyledon species, contains bufadienolide cardiac glycosides. Ingestion by cats, dogs, or livestock can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmia. Keep out of reach of all pets and children. Seek veterinary advice 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 variegated bear's paw.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Bear's Paw is toxic to cats as well. See the full variegated bear's paw pet-safety guide for both species.

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.