Toxic to dogs · Plants

Is Poinciana toxic to dogs?

Moderate severity

Yes. It can cause real illness — contact your vet if your pet has been exposed.

Symptoms to watch for

  • oral cavity irritation
  • drooling
  • pawing at the mouth
  • difficulty swallowing
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • incoordination

How vets treat it

Rinse the mouth with water and seek veterinary care for supportive treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms and monitoring for neurological signs.

Why it's dangerous

The leaves contain hydrocyanic acid which can interfere with oxygen utilization, while the seeds and pods contain tannins that cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Toxic compound: Hydrocyanic acid and tannins

Good to know

This plant is distinct from the Strelitzia reginae (also called Bird of Paradise). It contains hydrogen cyanide in the leaves and tannins in the seeds.

Sources

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.

More substances toxic to dogs

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