Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Western Columbine toxic to dogs?

Aquilegia formosa

Toxic to dogs

Yes — western columbine 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. All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding.

What to do if your dog ate western columbine

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

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

Is western columbine toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is western columbine toxic to dogs?

Yes — western columbine is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats western columbine?

All parts of Aquilegia formosa — particularly the seeds and roots — contain isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides that are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested in significant quantities. Seeds are the most toxic portion. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in serious cases cardiac effects. The plant tastes extremely bitter, which limits voluntary ingestion by pets, but risk remains. Not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list for this species, but veterinary sources consistently flag Aquilegia as toxic to pets and humans. Wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away from plants during seeding. 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 western columbine.

What should I do if my dog ate western columbine?

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 western columbine toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Western Columbine is toxic to cats as well. See the full western columbine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to western columbine?

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 western columbine pet-safety