Yes, coleus plants are toxic to dogs.
Coleus is a genus of annual or perennial herbs, shrubs, and succulent plants. Just like mint and basil, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The coleus plant has many names. Bread and butter plant, country borage, East Indian thyme, Indian borage, Spanish thyme, and stinging thyme are some examples. Sold as an ornamental plant, the Coleus scutellarioides is one of its most popular species.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that coleus plants are toxic to dogs. Moreover, cats and horses can be affected by the plant’s essential oils. The harmful diterpene coleonol and coleon O are present throughout the plant, from its leaves to its branches.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats coleus plants: Wag! advises dog parents to contact their vet, and take their pet to the emergency clinic immediately. This is because your dog’s body may quickly absorb the harmful oils from the plant. This can lead to intense irritation and central nervous system complications.
Remove the remnants of the plant from your dog, but bring a sample to show the vet. Plus, continue to monitor your pet for symptoms of coleus plant poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea (occasionally bloody), depression, and decrease in appetite may manifest. He may also experience hypersalivation, instability, difficulty in breathing and walking, muscle tremors, and weakness. Lethargy, hypothermia, pawing at the face and mouth, as well as skin and oral irritation are also common.
In summary: Avoid growing coleus plants if you own dogs and cats or have small children at home. It can create unwanted mild to moderate symptoms. Aside from coleus, discover which plants and flowers are harmful to dogs by visiting ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline.
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