Are Hostas Poisonous to Dogs or Cats?
How serious is Hosta for pets?
Saponins cause vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. Limited to GI upset: not related to the deadly acute kidney failure seen with true lilies (Lilium spp.) despite the 'lily' in one common name.
Hosta spp.
Also called: Plantain Lily and Funkia.
Is hosta toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists hosta (Hosta plataginea) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and Pet Poison Helpline says hosta plants contain saponin phytochemicals that cause gastrointestinal distress in companion animals.
Is hosta toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists hosta (Hosta plataginea) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and Pet Poison Helpline says hosta plants contain saponin phytochemicals that cause gastrointestinal distress in companion animals.
What makes it toxic
The ASPCA names the toxic principle as saponins (source).
Pet Poison Helpline says hosta plants contain saponin phytochemicals, and that ingestion by companion animals leads to gastrointestinal distress (for example vomiting and diarrhea) and neurological signs (for example lethargy and depression) (source).
Symptoms to watch for
Both sources describe signs for animals in general rather than splitting them by species.
In dogs
- Vomiting (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Diarrhea (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Depression (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Lethargy (Pet Poison Helpline)
In cats
- Vomiting (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Diarrhea (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Depression (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline)
- Lethargy (Pet Poison Helpline)
What to do if your dog or cat ate it
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
- Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
- Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
- Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.
Frequently asked questions
Are hostas toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists hosta as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, naming saponins as the toxic principle. Pet Poison Helpline describes gastrointestinal distress and neurological signs such as lethargy and depression.
Are hostas toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists hosta as toxic to cats, and Pet Poison Helpline says hosta plants contain saponin phytochemicals that cause gastrointestinal distress in companion animals.
What happens if a dog eats a hosta leaf?
The ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea and depression. Pet Poison Helpline lists gastrointestinal distress (vomiting, diarrhea) and neurological signs (lethargy, depression). Call your vet or a pet poison line.
What is the toxic compound in hostas?
The ASPCA names saponins, and Pet Poison Helpline says hosta plants contain saponin phytochemicals.
Sources
- ASPCA: Hosta (Hosta plataginea): Toxicity line, saponins, clinical signs.
- Pet Poison Helpline: Hosta: Saponin phytochemicals, signs, phone number.
Last reviewed: . This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.
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 Hosta
Is Hosta toxic to cats?
Yes, Hosta is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Hosta toxic to dogs?
Yes, Hosta is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is Hosta also called?
Hosta (Hosta spp.) is also called Plantain Lily and Funkia.
More plant lists
Not sure this is the plant you have? Scan it.
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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