Is Castor Bean Plant toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is Castor Bean Plant for pets?
SEVERE Plant Doctor's data flags Castor Bean Plant as one of its most serious plants for pets. Treat any suspected ingestion as an emergency and call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435.
SEVERE: seeds contain ricin, among the most toxic plant compounds known. Can be fatal in small amounts. Emergency vet visit for any suspected ingestion.
Ricinus communis
What makes it toxic
Ricin.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Symptoms to watch for
- ASPCA notes the beans are very toxic
- Oral irritation and burning of the mouth and throat
- Increased thirst
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (bloody as the illness progresses)
- Kidney failure
- Convulsions, and coma before death
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Colic
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Progressive central nervous system depression
- Fever
- ASPCA notes signs typically develop 12 to 48 hours after ingestion, that most poisonings come from ornamental plants or pruned foliage, and that as little as one ounce of seeds can be lethal
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about Castor Bean Plant
Is Castor Bean Plant toxic to cats?
Yes, Castor Bean Plant is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Castor Bean Plant toxic to dogs?
Yes, Castor Bean Plant is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
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Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
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