What should I do if my dog ate Madagascar Periwinkle?

Remove plant material from your dog's mouth and collect a leaf or two so the vet can confirm the species. Call Pet Poison Helpline before driving in. Do not induce vomiting unless directed. Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) or your vet as soon as you suspect ingestion. Bring the dog in immediately for any neurological signs — tremors, ataxia, seizures — or for repeated vomiting that doesn't settle within an hour or two.

Madagascar Periwinkle — (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis Aureglia — Photo by (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis AuregliaiNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Louis Aureglia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Louis AuregliaiNaturalistCC BY

dog safety reference

Is Madagascar Periwinkle safe for dogs?

Q: Is Madagascar Periwinkle safe for dogs?

Madagascar Periwinkle is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause serious illness if consumed. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

Catharanthus roseus

Catharanthus roseus is a flowering plant known for its vibrant blooms, but it contains alkaloids that are harmful if ingested by pets. It is commonly grown as an annual bedding plant or a container specimen.

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Catharanthus roseusMadagascar periwinkleRose periwinkleVinca rosea

Light: Full sun to partial shade
Habit: Mounded or trailing
Care: Low

Safety status

Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

What this means for your dog

Madagascar periwinkle is toxic to dogs. The vinca alkaloids inside it are powerful enough to be used in human chemotherapy; in dogs, ingestion ranges from GI upset on the low end to seizures, tremors, and low blood pressure on the high end. Severe poisonings are uncommon because the plant tastes bitter, but small dogs and curious puppies are most at risk.

What to watch for

Vomiting and diarrhea are the typical first signs, often paired with depression and loss of coordination. With a larger dose, watch for tremors, seizures, hypotension (weakness, slow capillary refill), and rare cases of coma. Toy breeds and puppies reach toxic doses much faster than larger dogs.

Time window

Mild GI signs usually start within a few hours. Most dogs recover within 24 hours with fluids and supportive care; more serious cases may need 48 to 72 hours of monitoring.

When to call the vet

Call Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) or your vet as soon as you suspect ingestion. Bring the dog in immediately for any neurological signs — tremors, ataxia, seizures — or for repeated vomiting that doesn't settle within an hour or two.

First aid at home

Remove plant material from your dog's mouth and collect a leaf or two so the vet can confirm the species. Call Pet Poison Helpline before driving in. Do not induce vomiting unless directed.

Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, NC State Extension.

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 tremors or ataxia.

Escalation note

The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause serious illness if consumed. Seek veterinary care promptly if your dog has ingested any part of this plant.

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

Open source

Periwinkle contains alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression in pets.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Catharanthus roseus is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, noted for its toxicity if ingested.

Cats & dogs page cats page My dog ate Madagascar Periwinkle

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