Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Cuban Oregano - what should I do?
Coleus amboinicus
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 abdominal discomfort.
Escalation note
The essential oils in the leaves can be irritating to the digestive system. If your dog has ingested a significant amount, consult your veterinarian for guidance.
First aid at home
Take the dog away from the plant and wipe any plant material from the mouth and coat. Offer fresh water. Do not induce vomiting at home — VCA cautions that emetics and activated charcoal can be problematic with essential-oil exposures. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.
What to watch for
Vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody), drooling, depression, and loss of appetite. With larger ingestions you may also see uncoordinated gait, tremors, or labored breathing. Watch the lips and gums for redness if the dog chewed leaves.
Time window
Most GI signs appear within a few hours of ingestion and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care; the cited sources do not give precise onset numbers.
When to call the vet
Call promptly if vomiting won't stop, you see blood in vomit or stool, the dog seems wobbly or weak, or breathing changes. Even mild GI signs in a small dog or after a large ingestion warrant a same-day call.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. ASPCA classifies Coleus (Plectranthus / Coleus amboinicus) as toxic to dogs; the essential oils in the leaves cause GI upset and, with larger ingestions, more serious systemic effects. Skin contact with the oily sap can also irritate paws and lips.
Sources: ASPCA, VCA Animal Hospitals.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.