Is Figwort Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Ranunculus acris
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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 of mouth tissue with fresh plant
Symptoms in cats
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
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What to do
Rinse the mouth with water; usually resolves without treatment. This is the same buttercup-family compound and mechanism as Buttercup itself.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Figwort is protoanemonin.
What makes this plant different
Figwort's protoanemonin toxicity is identical to Buttercup's, since both belong to the Ranunculaceae family — freshly picked plant material is more irritating than dried, since the compound breaks down with drying.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Ranunculus acris
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Also known as
- Figwort, Buttercup, Butter Cress, Burwort, Crowfoot burwort
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control