Is asparagus fern poisonous to dogs?

Updated 13/07/2023

Asparagus fern is a popular climber amongst households that enjoy the greener things in life. Covered in fluffy foliage and small white flowers and red berries in spring, it’s no wonder the plant is popular amongst us humans. But if you’ve recently welcomed a fluffy (four-legged) friend into your home, you might be wondering if asparagus fern is safe for dogs, or whether asparagus fern is poisonous to dogs, in fact. Let’s find out.

Is asparagus fern poisonous to dogs?

So, are asparagus ferns poisonous to dogs, or are they a safe, equally fluffy house plant? Well sadly, asparagus ferns are poisonous to dogs (and cats), so if you live with a furry friend, it’s worth keeping your plant well out of the way or not keeping it at all. In spring, asparagus ferns sprout red berries which can cause mild signs of gastrointestinal disease if ingested, causing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Contact with sap or the soft leaves on multiple occasions can also cause a skin rash in not only dogs, but their humans as well.

Asparagus fern poisoning in dogs

Now that we know asparagus fern is toxic to dogs (mildly so), let’s take a further look at the symptoms your pooch might display if they’ve nibbled on a berry from the plant, or gotten a little too close for comfort with the ferns.

Symptoms

Asparagus fern poisoning in dogs is twofold - if your pooch ingests the red berries that sprout in springtime, their symptoms will differ to those that occur when your pooch’s skin has come into contact with the ferns. While both reactions are often mild and not life-threatening, it’s always best to keep anything that could harm your pup out of reach, or choose different plants to decorate the home instead.

Symptoms of toxicity from ingestion of asparagus fern berries:

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Reduced or loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Symptoms of an allergic reaction on the skin:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blisters
• Red, pink or clear discharge

Diagnosis

If you think your pup has nibbled on your asparagus fern plant or come into contact with one, or is showing signs of an allergic reaction on the skin, call your veterinarian for advice. You may be called in for an appointment so that your vet can assess your pup’s symptoms, alongside any medications they’re currently taking. Your vet may complete a blood test and urinalysis to check that they aren’t suffering from any other diseases or electrolyte imbalances.

Treatment

The most common treatment for a skin reaction starts with bathingyour pup’s skin to relieve any allergic symptoms (ice cubes can help). If the reaction was more severe (because you pooch ingested tonnes of the stuff), they may be given pain relief, anti-inflammatory medication and IV fluids to correct any dehydration from the vomiting and diarrhea.

Thankfully most cases of asparagus fern toxicity are mild, and dogs often make a full recovery with treatment.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other plants that are poisonous for dogs

Unfortunately, many of the plants we humans decorate our homes with can be harmful to our furry friends. So, avoid risks where you can and get in the know about plants poisonous to dogs, starting with those below.

• Cordyline
• Ivy
• Philodendron
• Morning glory
• Rhododendron