Purslane — (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
Photo by (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas GoldmaniNaturalistCC BY-SA
dog safety reference

Is Purslane safe for dogs?

Portulaca oleracea

Moss Rose is a succulent, low-growing annual known for its vibrant, rose-like flowers and fleshy leaves. While popular in gardens, it contains soluble calcium oxalates that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.

Moss RosePigweedPortulacaPortulaca oleraceaPurslane
Light
Full sun
Habit
Trailing or spreading
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.

What this means for your dog

For dogs, purslane is rated low severity by NC State Extension thanks to its soluble calcium oxalates. The toolbox lists tremors, salivation, and rare kidney failure as the symptom set. Most curious dogs that grab a mouthful end up with drool and a stomach ache rather than a true emergency, but large ingestions warrant a vet check.

What to watch for

Most common: drooling and pawing at the mouth right after eating. Often: vomiting and loose stool within a few hours. Possible: trembling, weakness, and lethargy. Less common but serious (especially after a large ingestion): signs of kidney trouble — increased or decreased urination, repeated vomiting, marked depression.

Time window

The NC State page does not specify timing. Oral and GI signs from soluble oxalates typically appear within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours; renal effects, when they occur, may show up over the following 1–3 days, which is why monitoring after a large ingestion matters.

When to call the vet

Call your vet if your dog ate a large amount, the drooling is heavy, vomiting persists past a few hours, or you see tremors, weakness, or changes in urination. ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435.

Sources: NC State Extension (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.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

Drooling, pawing at the mouth, oral swelling, and occasional gastrointestinal upset.

Escalation note

The plant contains soluble oxalates which can cause irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat. Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist or if your dog consumes a large quantity.

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

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Portulaca oleracea is a succulent annual that is widely distributed and often considered a weed, though cultivated for its ornamental flowers.

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