Are Croton Plants Toxic to Dogs? | Waldo's Friends

Home / Blog / Are Croton Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Blog

Blog Hero

Pet Friendly Plants

Are Croton Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Are Croton Plants Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, croton plants are mildly toxic to dogs. 

A member of the family Euphorbiaceae, croton plants are also commonly known as fire croton, garden croton, and variegated croton. The tropical plant is native to countries such as Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, as well as islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The shrub stands out due to its thick, shiny, and leathery leaves that come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and colours.

The croton plant has toxic principles that can cause gastrointestinal and skin irritations in your canine pet. This is due to the poisonous chemical compound 5-deoxygenol, which is found on its sap, bark, leaves, stems, roots, and flowers. However, its symptoms are typically mild and will not lead to death. 

What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats croton plants: According to the Pet Poison Helpline, exposure to this plant can result in mild to moderate symptoms. Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin irritation are signs to watch for. If the plant’s toxic compound rubs against his skin, he may end up having tiny bumps, dry skin, hair loss, and redness in the affected area. In addition, eczema, abdominal pain, mouth blisters, and irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes may also occur.

Observe your dog over the next few hours, and call your veterinarian if his symptoms worsen. Bring a sample of the croton plant when you take your pooch to the clinic for assessment.  

In summary: Croton plants are best grown in households or backyards with no dogs and cats. If you’re thinking of bringing home a croton plant, look for canine-safe alternatives. Prevent accidents by checking these lists from ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, and PetMD before growing an ornamental plant. 

References:

Codiaeum variegatum – Wikipedia

Pet Poison Helpline: Croton

Croton Poisoning in Dogs

Skin Irritation In Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment



Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.

Check out related posts

Are Poinsettia Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Poinsettia Plants Toxic to Cats?

Yes, poinsettia plants are mildly toxic to cats.  Poinsettias are flowering plants that are popular during the Christmas season. They belong to the Euphorbia genus, and are native to Central America and Mexico. Poinsettias go by many names. This includes the crown of the Andes, Easter flower, flame leaf flower, flower of Christmas eve, flower… Continue reading Are Poinsettia Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Sensitive Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Sensitive Plants Toxic to Cats?

Yes, sensitive plants are toxic to cats.  Mimosa pudica is a plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It has other monikers such as sensitive plant, touch-me-not, humble plant, shameplant, and sleepy plant. This is because of its foliage that folds or shrinks when it is touched, shaken, or even blown on. The leaves also… Continue reading Are Sensitive Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Alocasia Plants Toxic to Cats?

Are Alocasia Plants Toxic to Cats?

Yes, alocasia plants are toxic to cats.  Alocasia is a genus of plants native to eastern Australia and the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The genus is recognisable due to its broad, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves. Because of its foliage, people also call it elephant’s ear, giant elephant’s ear, and Amazon elephant’s ear.  Both… Continue reading Are Alocasia Plants Toxic to Cats?