Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Bird of Paradise - what should I do?
Strelitzia reginae
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 general malaise.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally limited to the digestive tract. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed the plant to ensure proper monitoring.
What to watch for
Pet Poison Helpline documents oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia (refusal to eat). Watch for drooling, mouth pawing, or head shaking right after a chew, followed by GI signs over the next several hours. Most exposures stay in the GI tract and don't progress further.
Time window
Oral irritation begins within minutes of chewing; vomiting and diarrhea typically appear within a few hours. Specific recovery window is not well documented in the cited sources; mild cases usually resolve within 24 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persist for more than a few hours, if your dog refuses food or water, or if there is significant drooling, mouth swelling, or lethargy. Call right away if seeds or fruit were eaten. Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. Pet Poison Helpline reports that chewing into Bird of Paradise releases irritant material that penetrates and inflames the mouth and oral cavity, while NC State Extension lists the plant as toxic to dogs across all parts. The fruit and seeds are the highest-risk portion to ingest.
Sources: NC State Extension, Pet Poison Helpline (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.