Pet safety
Is Violet Wood Sorrel toxic to dogs?
Oxalis violacea
Yes — violet wood sorrel 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. ASPCA lists Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors.
What to do if your dog ate violet wood sorrel
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move violet wood sorrel out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of violet wood sorrel to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten violet wood sorrel, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is violet wood sorrel toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is violet wood sorrel toxic to dogs?
Yes — violet wood sorrel is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats violet wood sorrel?
ASPCA lists Oxalis (Shamrock Plant, Oxalis spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, and in large quantities kidney failure (rare in dogs and cats) and tremors. 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 violet wood sorrel.
What should I do if my dog ate violet wood sorrel?
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 violet wood sorrel toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Violet Wood Sorrel is toxic to cats as well. See the full violet wood sorrel pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to violet wood sorrel?
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 violet wood sorrel pet-safety
- Is violet wood sorrel toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is violet wood sorrel toxic to cats?
- My dog ate violet wood sorrel — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete violet wood sorrel care guide