Are Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis) poisonous to dogs?

Updated 09/09/2024

A common worry for pet parents is whether certain plants are poisonous to dogs. When you're out walking in the park or forest, there are quite a few harmful plants to keep an eye on to make sure your furry friend doesn’t ingest. Among these are Dog's Mercury (Mercurialis perennis), a common ancient woodland plant that can be found in many regions but mostly in the UK. 

So, is Dog's Mercury poisonous to dogs? The short answer is, yes, it is poisonous to dogs. Don’t be tricked by its name, this plant isn’t a dog’s friend and can be highly toxic when ingested by our tail-wagging companions.

In this article, we'll explore the symptoms of poisoning, methods of diagnosis, and appropriate treatments if your dog ingests this harmful plant.

Are Dog's Mercury poisonous to dogs?

We now know that Dog's Mercury is sadly poisonous to dogs. Scientifically known as Mercurialis perennis, the plant contains toxic compounds that can be harmful to both humans and animals if ingested. While it may not be as well-known as some other toxic plants, such as lilies or azaleas, Dog's Mercury can still pose a significant risk to dogs if they consume it.

It’s best to prevent Dog's Mercury poisoning as a first approach. Start by identifying and removing any potentially toxic plants from your dog's environment, especially if they roam outdoor areas where a Dog's Mercury plant may grow. 

So, how can you identify Dog’s Mercury? The Dog’s Mercury plant is medium height, grows on the woodland floor, and has large, long, pointed, hairy green leaves. The Dog’s Mercury flower is green when it flowers in spring. As always, keep a close eye on your pooch pal during walks or outdoor play to prevent accidental ingestion. 

Recommended article: Is wisteria poisonous to dogs?

Dog's Mercury poisoning in dogs

When a dog ingests Dog's Mercury, it can lead to poisoning which requires quick action to ensure your pup’s well-being. Understanding the symptoms of poisoning and when to seek professional help from a vet is key for pet parents and dog sitters.

Symptoms of poisoning

Spotting the symptoms of Dog's Mercury poisoning in dogs is vital for getting them the help they need quickly. Common signs of poisoning to watch out for are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive drooling
• Abdominal pain or discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Incoordination, staggering
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Coma

Dog’s Mercury poisoning can be very serious. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog and suspect they may have ingested Dog's Mercury, seek veterinary help immediately.

Recommended article: Are yucca plants poisonous to dogs?

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Dog's Mercury poisoning in dogs typically involves a few steps: a physical examination, an overview of your dog’s recent activities, and potentially blood tests and imaging studies to evaluate any internal damage. If you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic plant like Dog's Mercury, let your vet know right away to speed up the diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment

The treatment of Dog's Mercury poisoning in dogs aims to lessen the symptoms, remove the toxic substance from the body, and provide supportive care. If your pup has ingested this toxic plant your vet might:

• Induce vomiting to remove the plant material from the stomach if your dog ingested the plant recently (it’s important to never attempt this at home; it can be extremely dangerous and the risk of choking is high). They may also flush the stomach out to rid the body of as much of the plant as possible.
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Administer fluids into your dog’s veins to maintain hydration and support kidney function and blood pressure.
• Prescribe medications to control symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or pain.
• Monitor vital signs and organ function, and provide supportive care until your dog recovers.
  

Don’t try to treat Dog’s Mercury poisoning at home. It's really important to let a vet handle the treatment or follow their advice after the initial consultation. 

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community.

Dog's Mercury poses a significant threat to the health and well-being of our poor four-legged companions if ingested. As a pet sitter with TrustedHousesitters, you can access our 24/7 Vet Advice Line if you’re worried a pet you’re taking care of has ingested something they shouldn’t. 

Other woodland plants that are poisonous to dogs

Unfortunately, there are many other woodland plants that can be poisonous to dogs, a few of them include:

• Wild garlic
• Acorns
• Oak leaves
• Bluebells
• Nightshade
• Foxglove
• Ivy