Is Water Tupelo toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists water tupelo 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. Nyssa aquatica is not individually listed by ASPCA. The dark-purple drupes are consumed by wildlife but are not considered safe for human or pet consumption and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. No severe toxic principle is documented, but the fruit is not food-grade and should not be deliberately fed to pets.

Nyssa aquatica is not individually listed by ASPCA. The dark-purple drupes are consumed by wildlife but are not considered safe for human or pet consumption and may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. No severe toxic principle is documented, but the fruit is not food-grade and should not be deliberately fed to pets. 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 water tupelo.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Water Tupelo is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full water tupelo 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.