Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Pride of Barbados - what should I do?
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Escalation note
Ingestion may cause irritation to the digestive tract. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
What to watch for
Per the NC State listing: labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and eye discharge. Vomiting and diarrhea are by far the most common; labored breathing is uncommon and would point to a larger ingestion of leaves or seeds. Watch for drooling, abdominal discomfort, and reduced appetite as well.
Time window
The NC State page does not specify onset or recovery windows. GI signs from tannin-rich seeds typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care; cyanide-related signs (rare at household doses) would be much faster.
When to call the vet
Call promptly if your dog has eaten seeds or seed pods, if vomiting or diarrhea is severe or bloody, if breathing looks labored, or if your dog seems weak or unsteady. For exposure questions, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435.
What this means for your dog
For dogs, NC State Extension rates Pride of Barbados as low severity, with effects centered on the digestive tract. The leaves contain hydrogen cyanide and the ripened seeds contain tannic and gallic acids — the seeds and seed pods are the highest-risk part because dogs are most likely to chew or swallow them whole. Most exposures cause GI upset rather than systemic poisoning.
Sources: NC State Extension (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.