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.
dog safety reference
Is Larkspur safe for dogs?
Delphinium species
Larkspur is a popular garden perennial known for its tall, showy spikes of flowers. It contains potent alkaloids that make it highly toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested.
DelphiniumDelphinium speciesLarkspur
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs should not chew larkspur. The plant's alkaloids cause neuromuscular paralysis — Pet Poison Helpline lists drooling, abnormal heart rhythms, abdominal pain, paralysis, tremors and seizures, with cardiac failure and death from respiratory paralysis as worst-case outcomes. This is a call-immediately plant, not a watch-and-wait one.
What to watch for
Most-common to least: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and abdominal pain. More serious — and the reason urgent care matters — abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and respiratory difficulty.
Time window
Onset and duration are not well documented in companion animals. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline describe effects ranging from drooling and tremors to respiratory paralysis, suggesting symptoms can progress rapidly.
When to call the vet
Call immediately — your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) — any time you suspect your dog has eaten larkspur, even before symptoms start. The risk of cardiac and respiratory effects makes early decontamination important.
First aid at home
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
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
Muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure or collapse.
Escalation note
This plant is highly toxic to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary attention if ingestion occurs, as symptoms can progress rapidly.
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
Same dog verdict
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