Why it's dangerous
The plant contains irritating glycosides that cause localized irritation to the gastrointestinal tract upon ingestion.
Toxic compound: Irritating glycosides
How vets treat it
Massey University says no specific treatment is available for protoanemonin poisoning. For plants that only irritate the stomach and gut, the Merck Veterinary Manual describes care aimed at the signs: anti-vomiting medicine, anti-diarrhea medicine and a bland diet. Merck's list of these plants doesn't name clematis, so this is general guidance.
Outlook
NC State Extension says fatalities are rare because of the plant's bitter taste and the mouth irritation it causes. Massey University says most mild cases in animals poisoned by buttercup-family plants recover on their own, without treatment. For gut-irritant plants in general, Merck says most animals recover within 24 to 48 hours and the outlook is excellent, although animals that already have gut disease may take longer.
Where pets are exposed
- Gardens. Clematis is a popular flowering vine. Some species climb, while others are spreading shrubs or ground covers. NC State Extension lists clematis for cottage, pollinator and native gardens, and as suitable for containers, vertical spaces, woodlands and naturalized areas.
- Clematis is also called virgin's bower, leatherflower, old man's beard, traveller's joy or vase vine. There are nearly 400 species and many more cultivars and hybrids.
- The leaves and sap, which NC State Extension lists as the poisonous parts. The plant stores its toxin as a glycoside called ranunculin, which releases the irritant protoanemonin when the plant is damaged, for example by chewing.
Prevention
- Don't count on the bitter taste to protect your pet. Pet Poison Helpline says it deters most pets from eating large amounts, and Massey University says animals are unlikely to eat buttercup-family plants in quantity unless they are desperate or naive (inexperienced). Supervise puppies, kittens and pets that chew plants around clematis.
- Pick up fresh prunings after you cut back clematis. The irritant is released when the fresh plant is damaged, and it breaks down into an inactive compound as the plant dries.
- If your pet keeps going back to the plant, fence it off or move potted clematis out of reach. Merck says removing the plant source is the ideal way to stop a pet eating more.
- Learn to recognize clematis: a vine with leaves divided into leaflets, flowers with 4 to 8 petal-like parts in many colors, and many small dry fruits, each with a silky, feathery tail.
Good to know
The plant has a very bitter taste which typically deters pets from consuming large, dangerous quantities.
Common questions
Is clematis poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists clematis as toxic to dogs. It contains protoanemonin, an irritant glycoside, which can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. The plant tastes very bitter, which deters most pets from eating large amounts, and NC State Extension says fatalities are rare. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your dog has chewed some.
Is clematis toxic to cats?
Yes. The ASPCA lists clematis as toxic to cats, as well as to dogs and horses, with drooling, vomiting and diarrhea as the signs. No toxic dose or case reports for cats were found. Call your vet or a pet poison line if your cat chews any part of the plant.
Why don't pets usually eat much clematis?
Because it tastes very bitter and irritates the mouth. Pet Poison Helpline says the bitter taste deters most pets from eating large amounts, and NC State Extension says fatalities are rare because of the rapid, intense bitter taste and mouth irritation. Some pets may still eat more, so call your vet if yours does.
Which part of clematis is poisonous?
NC State Extension lists the leaves and sap. The irritant, protoanemonin, is released when the fresh plant is damaged, for example by chewing. Massey University says it breaks down into an inactive compound as the plant dries, which is why hay containing these plants is usually safe for livestock. No source here covers dried clematis and pets, so call your vet if your pet eats any part of the plant.
My dog or cat chewed a clematis leaf. What should I do?
Take away any leftover leaves and call your vet or a pet poison line. In the US: Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 (both may charge a fee). Don't make your pet vomit unless a professional tells you to. Watch for drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and note when it happened and roughly how much was eaten.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center — Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Clematis
- Pet Poison Helpline — Clematis
- NC State Extension — Clematis (Gardener Plant Toolbox)
- Massey University — Protoanemonin (New Zealand poisonous plants database)
- Pet Poison Helpline
This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.
