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 Spotted Water Hemlock safe for dogs?
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
What this means for your dog
Dogs: among the most lethal plants in North America. Pet Poison Helpline describes cicutoxin as attacking neurons in the brain and CNS, with all parts of the plant poisonous and the roots most concentrated. Ingesting even small amounts of root material can cause violent seizures and respiratory paralysis.
What to watch for
Pet Poison Helpline reports drooling, weakness, agitation, nervousness, twitching, seizures, and death from respiratory paralysis. ASPCA additionally lists diarrhea, extreme stomach pain, dilated pupils, fever, and bloat.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline notes signs can begin shortly after ingestion. Specific recovery durations are not documented; severe cases are often fatal.
When to call the vet
Call immediately on any suspected ingestion — there is no antidote, and survival depends on emergency supportive care given quickly.
First aid at home
Pet Poison Helpline specifically warns owners never to give hydrogen peroxide to a pet without checking with a veterinary professional first, because it is not always safe to induce vomiting at home. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 and transport to an emergency vet immediately.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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, 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
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
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.
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp.
Buttercups are flowering plants known for their bright, cup-shaped blooms, but they contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested. They are generally considered toxic to household pets due to the presence of protoanemonin.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cow Parsnip
Heracleum maximum
Cow parsnip is a large, herbaceous perennial member of the carrot family known for its tall stature and umbrella-like flower clusters. It contains furanocoumarins that can cause significant skin and mucosal irritation upon contact.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Dock
Rumex sp.
Dock is a genus of perennial herbs often found in fields and gardens that contains soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Peony
Paeonia officinalis
The peony is a popular garden perennial known for its large, showy blooms. While prized for its beauty, all parts of the plant contain paeonol, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.