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Is Woolly Lip Fern toxic to dogs?

Cheilanthes tomentosa

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woolly lip fern 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. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What to do if your dog ate woolly lip fern

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

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

Is woolly lip fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is woolly lip fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woolly lip fern 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. Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats woolly lip fern?

Cheilanthes tomentosa is not individually assessed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and no toxic principle has been formally documented for this genus. As a precaution for unlisted species, it is classified as mildly-toxic. Consult a vet if a pet ingests this plant. 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 woolly lip fern.

What should I do if my dog ate woolly lip fern?

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 woolly lip fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Woolly Lip Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full woolly lip fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to woolly lip fern?

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 woolly lip fern pet-safety