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Is Dutchman’s Breeches Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes, Dutchman’s breeches is toxic to dogs. The plant’s isoquinoline alkaloids can cause vomiting and, with a larger meal, tremors and seizures.

Also known as: Dicentra cucullaria, Bleeding Heart (wild) · Dicentra cucullaria

What makes it toxic

Isoquinoline alkaloids concentrated in the roots and bulblets, present at lower levels in leaves and flowers. They irritate the gut and affect the nervous system in quantity.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy first; larger doses add muscle trembling, incoordination and possible seizures.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the plant away, rinse the mouth and call your vet, describing the parts and rough amount eaten. Trembling or seizure activity is an emergency — go straight to the clinic.

Common questions

My dog dug up the root in the woods — is that worse than chewing leaves?

Yes, the root is the most concentrated part. A dug-up root meal deserves prompt vet contact even before symptoms appear.

Are cultivated bleeding hearts just as risky?

Yes. Lamprocapnos (old Dicentra) bleeding hearts contain similar alkaloids, so the same caution applies to garden varieties.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.