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Is Greater Celandine 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, greater celandine is toxic to dogs. Chewing the plant releases caustic orange latex and alkaloids that burn the mouth and inflame the gut.

Also known as: Swallowwort, Tetterwort, Chelidonium majus · Chelidonium majus

What makes it toxic

Chelidonine, sanguinarine and other isoquinoline alkaloids in the orange sap and foliage. They irritate mucous membranes and, at higher doses, can burden the liver.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Skin contact leaves red, irritated patches that the dog may lick raw.

What to do if your dog eats it

Flush the mouth with water, wash sap off the coat and remove the plant. Call your vet if GI signs last more than a few hours or the dog seems painful or listless.

Common questions

Can a dog get poisoned just by walking through celandine?

Only sap contact on thin fur or skin is a concern, causing local irritation. Rinse the area and use a cone briefly to stop licking while it heals.

Is the herbal celandine in supplements the same plant?

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus) is the toxic one; lesser celandine is a different species but is also a GI irritant. Neither should be shared with pets.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston 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.