Is Clematis Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Clematis spp.
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Protoanemonin |
| Onset of symptoms | Within an hour |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Blistering with fresh plant material
Symptoms in cats
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
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What to do
Rinse the mouth with water; usually resolves without treatment, same mechanism and severity as Buttercup and Figwort.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Clematis is protoanemonin.
What makes this plant different
Clematis shares its protoanemonin mechanism with Buttercup and Figwort — all three cause the same fresh-plant oral irritation that diminishes once the plant material dries out.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Clematis spp.
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Also known as
- Clematis, Virgin's Bower, Leatherflower
- Typically found
- outdoor
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See all Ranunculaceae plants →
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control