Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Devil's Walking Stick safe for dogs?
Aralia spinosa
Aralia spinosa is a deciduous shrub or small tree known for its large, compound leaves and spiny stems. It is often found in woodland settings and is considered toxic to pets if ingested.
Aralia spinosaDevil's Walking StickHercules' ClubPrickly Ash
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Habit
- Upright shrub or small tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew or bite this thorny shrub typically get a mouthful of irritation rather than a life-threatening dose. ASPCA lists Aralia spinosa as toxic to dogs because of its araliin content, but the most likely outcome from a curious nibble is mouth and stomach upset.
What to watch for
Most-to-least common signs in dogs: hypersalivation/drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin or oral irritation around the muzzle. Severity is usually mild to moderate; the spines themselves can cause additional mechanical injury to the mouth.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented in the ASPCA entry; expect oral and GI signs within hours of ingestion in line with other irritant plants.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if drooling or vomiting persists more than a few hours, if your dog refuses food and water, if you see oral swelling, or if there is any visible bleeding from spine wounds.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential oral inflammation.
Escalation note
The plant contains compounds that can irritate the digestive tract. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
The Angelica Tree is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Questions about Devil's Walking Stick
Is Devil's Walking Stick toxic to dogs?
Yes, Devil's Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa) is considered toxic to dogs. It contains compounds that irritate the digestive tract, and ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and oral inflammation.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats Devil's Walking Stick?
The most common signs are hypersalivation and drooling, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and skin or oral irritation around the muzzle. Severity is typically mild to moderate, but the plant's spines can also cause mechanical injury to the mouth and gums.
What should I do if my dog ate Devil's Walking Stick?
Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away. Watch for drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, or oral swelling. Seek immediate veterinary care if vomiting or drooling persists more than a few hours, your dog refuses food and water, you notice oral swelling, or there is any visible bleeding from spine wounds.
How quickly do symptoms appear after a dog ingests Devil's Walking Stick?
Onset is not precisely documented in the ASPCA entry for this plant, but in line with other digestive irritants, oral and gastrointestinal signs are expected to appear within a few hours of ingestion.
Same dog verdict
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