Is Lupine Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks and Preventing Exposure
Lupines are beautiful wildflowers that grow in prairies and meadows. Their flowers are purple, yellow, pink, blue, and white. But is this well-known plant really dangerous for dogs if they eat it? Let’s look at the facts about lupine toxicity in dogs.
What Are Lupines?
Lupines or lupins are flowering plants in the legume family Fabaceae There are over 200 species, with at least 100 types native to North America Common wild lupine species include tailcup lupine, velvet lupine, silvery lupine, silky lupine and yellow lupine. These herbaceous perennials grow 1-4 feet tall in a range of open, sunny habitats.
From spring to summer, lupines bloom with beautiful flowers on tall, dense racemes. The flowers turn into seed pods that, when ready, burst open and spread the seeds out in a wide area. Lupines grow quickly from seeds and also from their taproots. They do best in full sun and well-drained soil, but they can grow in a wide range of conditions. As nitrogen fixers, lupines enrich nutrients in soil.
Are Lupines Toxic?
All parts of lupine plants contain toxic alkaloids like lupinine and anagyrine. These naturally-occurring compounds help deter herbivores from consuming the wildflowers. Younger plants and seeds/pods have the highest alkaloid content, while white lupine has less toxins than yellow lupine.
Animals like sheep, horses, and cattle are more likely to get sick from lupine. Animals that have eaten lupines for a few days may have symptoms like tremors, trouble breathing, paralysis, or even death. Kids have been poisoned by mistake when they think seeds and pods are beans and peas.
Are Lupines Poisonous to Dogs?
Most dogs do not gravitate toward snacking on lupines. However, some curious canines may nibble on lupine foliage, flowers or pods. Small ingestions are unlikely to cause major problems. Consuming higher quantities though may result in toxicity.
Possible signs of lupine poisoning in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors, seizures
- Discolored urine
- Jaundice
- Breathing difficulties
- Coma in severe cases
Fatalities are rare but can happen without prompt treatment. Pregnant dogs that eat lupine seeds may birth pups with congenital disabilities.
There’s no antidote for lupine poisoning. Vets give supportive care to stop vomiting, keep people hydrated, and stop seizures. Fast veterinary attention gives dogs the best prognosis for recovery.
Minimizing Lupine Poisoning Risks
Take these precautions to avoid lupine poisoning incidents:
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Learn to identify local wild lupine species. Be extra vigilant when they are flowering and producing pods.
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Remove any lupines growing in your yard or garden. Avoid planting lupines if your dog eats plants.
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Keep dogs leashed when hiking in lupine-populated areas. Don’t let them roam and graze freely.
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Discard spent lupine plants after blooming to prevent access to seeds/pods.
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Contact your vet ASAP if you suspect your dog ate any lupine plant parts. Bring a sample for identification.
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Ask your vet to induce vomiting if ingestion just happened within the last few hours.
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Have pet insurance to reduce costs if emergency vet care is ever required.
By taking sensible precautions, lupine poisoning can easily be prevented in dogs. While not as hazardous as other plants, lupines still pose a risk not to be ignored. Take action quickly and seek veterinary care if exposure occurs. With prompt treatment, most dogs will make a full recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do lupines look like?
Lupines are upright herbaceous plants reaching 1-4 feet tall. Their palmate leaves have 5-28 leaflets arranged in a hand shape. Flowers bloom on dense vertical spikes in colors like purple, pink, yellow, white and blue.
Can a small amount of lupine kill a dog?
It’s very unlikely a single lupine leaf or flower will be fatally toxic for a dog. Most lupine poisonings in dogs happen after eating a substantial volume of pods, seeds or foliage. But it’s still wise to consult a vet even after mild exposures.
How much lupine can sicken a dog?
The toxic amount depends on the dog’s size and sensitivity. Seeds and pods have the highest alkaloid concentrations. Just 2-3 pods could potentially cause problems for small dogs, while large dogs may show symptoms after eating 5+ pods or abundant leaves.
What should I do if my dog eats lupine?
Contact your vet or pet poison control right away. Induce vomiting at home if it just occurred. Bring along any plant parts to the vet appointment. Be prepared to provide supportive care like IV fluids, anti-seizure meds, pain relief, etc.
Can lupines kill cows or other livestock?
Yes, lupines can be lethal to cows, sheep, horses and other livestock. Just a few days of steady lupine grazing can cause toxicity and death in cattle. Lethal doses occur once lupines exceed 40% of their diet.
Are all lupine species poisonous?
All lupines contain toxic alkaloids, but levels vary. Certain low-alkaloid garden varieties have been selectively bred for ornamental use. However, only wild lupines in uncultivated areas present a substantial hazard.
Is lupine related to peanuts?
No, lupines and peanuts are not closely related. Peanuts are legumes linked to peas and beans, while lupines belong to a different legume tribe. The two plants have distinct physical traits and constituents.
Can dogs eat ornamental garden lupine safely?
No, dogs should avoid all lupine plant parts whether wild or ornamental varieties. Even showy garden lupines retain some alkaloids that could cause stomach upset, diarrhea or illness if enough leaves, flowers or seeds are ingested.
Do “sweet lupines” still contain toxins?
Yes, even sweet lupines touted as low-alkaloid contain some toxins that provide benefits to the plants. The alkaloids cannot be fully removed through breeding. Dogs may have mild to moderate symptoms from eating sweet lupine flowers or seeds.
Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca
This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!.
Are lupines poisonous to dogs?
If lupines are common on walks, should you let your dog eat them or stay away from them? Unfortunately, lupines are poisonous to dogs. They contain the alkaloid lupinine and other enzyme inhibitors, so they aren’t safe for them to eat. While death isn’t a common side effect, there have been many cases of lupine poisoning in grazing livestock like sheep, cattle, goats, and horses, though it can take these animals days of munching before signs of toxicity develop. Dogs are much less likely to accidentally eat this plant, but you should still discourage your pooch if you see them taking a keen interest in lupines.
Lupine Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
FAQ
How poisonous are lupins?
The ornamental cultivars of Lupine are not as toxic to humans, although caution should be taken when grown in areas that pets and children play in. Aug 24, 2022.
Is pokeweed poisonous to dogs?
This plant, called pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), has dark purple berries that are poisonous to both people and animals, including dogs. All parts of the pokeweed plant, including the berries, leaves, stems, and roots, contain toxic compounds, such as saponins and alkaloids.
What is the most toxic plant to dogs?
The Sago Palm is widely considered the most toxic plant to dogs. All parts of the Sago Palm are poisonous, but the seeds (or nuts) are the most toxic.
What happens if a dog eats foxgloves?
Foxglove is toxic to dogs. Its main toxic principle is that it is a cardiac glycosides. They can cause cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, heart failure and death. The level of poisoning varies with the particular plant, part of plant and amount consumed but all parts of the plant are considered toxic.
Are lupines poisonous to dogs?
Lupines contain alkaloids that are known to be toxic to humans and animals. Though toxicity has been predominantly noted in livestock, the danger of poisoning in dogs is a possibility. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans. Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!.
Can dogs eat lupine?
Treatment of lupine poisoning in dogs is not well documented, but the potential for severe toxicity is there. Dogs who exhibit behavioral changes or who show signs of illness after the ingestion of a potentially poisonous plant should be evaluated.
What are the symptoms of lupine toxicity in dogs?
Lupine poisoning in dogs can cause them to vomit, have diarrhea, drool, and be tired. In some cases, the effects are even worse. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, it’s important to seek veterinary help immediately. 3.
Are lupines toxic?
All lupine species contain toxic alkaloids in varying amounts. But some types, like Russell hybrid lupines, have been carefully bred to make garden flowers and seeds that are low in alkaloid. Only wild lupines growing in uncultivated areas pose a significant risk.
Are sweet lupins safe for dogs?
Sweet lupins, on the other hand, are non-toxic for dogs – provided they are prepared correctly. Raw sweet lupin seeds also contain alkaloids, but these can be removed by soaking and cooking. Then only the beneficial ingredients remain. What are the benefits of lupins for dogs?
Is there an antidote for lupine poisoning in dogs?
There is no antidote for lupine poisoning. Treatment focuses on providing supportive care to control vomiting, maintain hydration and prevent seizures. Prompt veterinary attention gives dogs the best chance of a full recovery. Take these steps to prevent lupine poisoning in dogs: Learn to identify lupine species that grow in your area.