Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Meadow Buttercup - what should I do?
Ranunculus acris
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
Excessive salivation, mouth blistering, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Escalation note
The plant contains protoanemonin, which is irritating to mucous membranes. Seek veterinary care if ingestion is suspected.
First aid at home
Remove your dog from the area and take any plant pieces out of the mouth. Do NOT give home antidotes and do NOT induce vomiting unless told to by your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Confirm your dog is breathing and acting normally, then call the helpline or your vet for guidance.
What to watch for
Most common: drooling, mouth pawing, and refusing food. Then: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and a wobbly gait. Flowers contain more toxin than the leaves, so a dog that grabs a bloom is at higher risk than one that brushes a leaf.
Time window
Oral irritation appears within minutes; GI signs typically within a few hours. Pet Poison Helpline characterizes buttercup poisoning as self-limiting in most dogs, with recovery in 24–48 hours after supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) if your dog ate more than a single mouthful, is drooling persistently, has visible mouth blisters, vomits more than once, or seems unsteady. A nibble that's spit out can usually be watched at home.
What this means for your dog
Dogs grazing in pastures or on lawn weeds sometimes mouth meadow buttercup. The plant releases protoanemonin from ranunculin when chewed — a bitter, blistering oil. Pet Poison Helpline notes that the bitter taste usually limits how much a dog will eat, but determined grazers (especially puppies and bored outdoor dogs) can still get a mouthful.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.