Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Leatherflower - what should I do?
Clematis sp.
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
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and potential skin irritation upon contact.
Escalation note
The plant contains protoanemonin, which can irritate the mouth and digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
First aid at home
Take the plant away and rinse the mouth with water to wash off residue. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control.
What to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea are the typical signs. Some dogs paw at the mouth or seem to drink more than usual to chase down the bitter taste.
Time window
Onset and recovery time are not well documented for clematis specifically; based on similar GI irritants, signs typically begin within a few hours and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting or diarrhea continues beyond 12 hours, your dog seems lethargic or refuses food, or a large amount of plant was eaten.
What this means for your dog
Dogs: ASPCA lists clematis as toxic, and Pet Poison Helpline reports it contains an irritating glycoside. Most dogs spit it out quickly because it tastes very bitter, so large ingestions are uncommon, but mouthing the leaves can still cause real GI upset.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.