Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Poison Hemlock - what should I do?
Conium maculatum
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
Muscle weakness, incoordination, rapid heart rate, seizures, and respiratory failure.
Escalation note
The toxins in this plant act rapidly on the nervous system. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately if your dog consumes any part of this plant.
What to watch for
Per the NC State listing: salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, trembling, dilation of the pupils, nervousness, weak pulse, paralysis, convulsions, and coma. Earlier signs (drooling, vomiting, wobbliness) usually appear before the more severe neuromuscular signs.
Time window
The NC State page does not give precise onset or recovery times. Clinical experience and toxicology references describe rapid onset (typically within 30 minutes to a few hours of ingestion) with potentially fatal respiratory paralysis within hours if untreated.
When to call the vet
Call immediately. Any amount of poison hemlock in a dog is a veterinary emergency — head to the nearest emergency clinic and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 on the way. Don’t wait for severe signs; the alkaloids can progress to respiratory failure quickly.
What this means for your dog
Poison hemlock is rated high severity for dogs by the NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — the whole plant is toxic and can be fatal. Dogs may chew the foul-smelling leaves or roots while exploring, and the alkaloids inside can shut down breathing. Treat any suspected ingestion as a 911-style emergency.
Sources: NC State Extension (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.