My Dog Ate Croton Plant What Should I Do?

Do you have croton plants in your home? If so, you’re not alone! These are very popular houseplants! Unfortunately, with the plants being so popular, it also means more dogs will have access to the plants. So, what happens if a dog eats a croton plant? Will the plant make him sick?

Has your dog eaten some croton plant? Are you worried the croton plant will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.

We’ve put together some information about the croton plant and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is a Croton Plant?

Croton plant, officially called Codiaeum variegatum, is a very pretty house plant. The plant’s leaves come in bright, varied colors. It’s sometimes called the Joseph’s Coat of plants! The plants are said to be somewhat challenging to care for. However, they provide wonderful spots of color in a home!

The plants are also sometimes grown outdoors. They do well in areas that have a tropical climate.

These fussy plants may even lose their leaves when moved. Sometimes a person may buy a croton plant and bring it home, only to find the leaves have all dropped off! They believe the plant was unhealthy or they’ve done something to damage it. However, the plants really don’t like to be moved from one spot to another. If they’re moved, croton plants go into shock and lose their leaves.

While croton plants are beautiful, what happens if a dog eats one? Can a croton plant make a dog sick?

Croton Plants & Dogs

Unfortunately, croton plants are toxic to dogs. Croton plants contain chemicals called diterpenes. These chemicals are found in the roots, sap, and bark of the plant. If a dog chews any of these parts, the chemicals will cause blistering and swelling of his mouth. And if the dog ingests enough of the plant, the diterpenes can cause GI symptoms.

Symptoms of Croton Plant Toxicity in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten a croton plant:

• Blistering in the mouth
• Skin irritation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Irritation of the mucous membranes
• Eye irritation
• Eczema

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. The good news is croton plants are toxic but rarely cause a life-threatening reaction in dogs. But your dog will still need to see the vet to have your fur baby’s other symptoms treated.

The other good news is that most dogs that eat the croton plant will make a full recovery!