Cats & 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
Pet safety reference
Spotted Water Hemlock
Cicuta maculata
Cicuta maculata is a highly dangerous perennial plant containing cicutoxin, which acts as a potent neurotoxin. It is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America and should be strictly avoided in any environment accessible to pets.
Beaver PoisonCicuta maculataMusquash RootSpotted Water Hemlock
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Care
- High (due to extreme toxicity)
Safety status
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.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, muscle twitching, seizures, respiratory distress, and potential cardiac arrest.
Escalation note
This plant is extremely lethal; ingestion of even a small amount can cause rapid onset of severe neurological symptoms. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, tremors, violent seizures, loss of coordination, and respiratory failure.
Escalation note
The toxins in this plant are fast-acting and life-threatening. Immediate veterinary intervention is required as there is no specific antidote for cicutoxin poisoning.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of cicutoxin.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cicuta maculata is a highly toxic native perennial that can be fatal to humans and animals if ingested.
Questions about Spotted Water Hemlock
Is Spotted Water Hemlock toxic to cats?
Yes, Spotted Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is extremely toxic to cats. It contains cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin, and is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America — even a small amount can be lethal.
What are the symptoms of Spotted Water Hemlock poisoning in cats?
Symptoms include excessive salivation, drooling, agitation, muscle twitching, tremors, seizures, severe abdominal pain, dilated pupils, respiratory distress, and paralysis. Clinical signs can begin shortly after ingestion, and severe poisoning is often fatal.
What should I do if my cat ate Spotted Water Hemlock?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately and transport your cat to the nearest emergency veterinarian — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home; hydrogen peroxide is never safe for cats and can cause stomach bleeding.
Is there an antidote for Spotted Water Hemlock poisoning in cats?
There is no antidote for cicutoxin poisoning. Survival depends entirely on how quickly a cat receives emergency supportive care, which is why immediate veterinary treatment — before symptoms escalate — is critical.
Is Spotted Water Hemlock toxic to dogs?
Yes, Spotted Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is highly toxic to dogs and considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America. It contains cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin, and even a small amount can be life-threatening. There is no specific antidote, so any suspected ingestion is a veterinary emergency.
What are the symptoms of Spotted Water Hemlock poisoning in dogs?
Signs include drooling, weakness, agitation, nervousness, muscle twitching, vomiting, diarrhea, extreme stomach pain, dilated pupils, fever, bloat, violent seizures, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, respiratory paralysis and death can occur. Symptoms can begin shortly after ingestion.
What should I do if my dog ate Spotted Water Hemlock?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 immediately and transport your dog to an emergency vet without delay. Do not attempt to induce vomiting at home without professional guidance — Pet Poison Helpline specifically warns that hydrogen peroxide is not always safe to administer. Survival depends on emergency supportive care given quickly.
Is there an antidote for cicutoxin poisoning in dogs?
No, there is no specific antidote for cicutoxin, the neurotoxin found in Spotted Water Hemlock. Treatment is emergency supportive care — managing seizures, maintaining respiratory function, and stabilizing the dog. Because the toxin is fast-acting and cases can be fatal, immediate veterinary intervention is critical even before symptoms appear.
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