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Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Written By Wag! Staff
Published: 10/05/2016Updated: 09/26/2024
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Jade Plant Poisoning?
The jade plant is a succulent that's popular for its good looks and easy maintenance. However, it's also toxic to dogs, causing gastrointestinal upset and depression, so this is one plant that should be kept out of reach of your fur-baby.
A member of the genus crassula, the jade plant grows easily on its own, even with neglect, because the leaves hold moisture for a long time, similar to a cactus. This house plant can grow to roughly 3-6 feet high indoors and features thick, shiny, egg-shaped leaves. It's also known by a variety of other names, including baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, and Chinese rubber plant.
Unfortunately, the jade plant is toxic to dogs. And while the exact cause of its toxicity is not known, if your dog ingests jade plant leaves they may cause an upset stomach, lethargy, and a loss of coordination. That's why you should contact your veterinarian for advice if you suspect that your pet has consumed any jade plant.
Jade Plant Poisoning Average Cost
From 572 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
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Symptoms of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
It's not known why the jade plant is toxic to dogs, but there have been many different side effects reported. Symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Incoordination
- Depression
Types
The jade plant (crassula ovata) is native to South Africa and comes in several varieties. This popular succulent is also known by a number of other common names, such as:
- Baby jade
- Chinese rubber plant
- Dollar plant
- Dwarf rubber plant
- Friendship tree
- Jade tree
- Japanese rubber plant
- Indian rubber plant
- Lucky plant
- Money tree
- Penny plant
- Tree of happiness
The jade plant isn't the only succulent that can be dangerous to dogs, with others such as aloe vera and the pencil cactus also capable of poisoning pets.
Causes of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
Unfortunately, it's not known why the jade plant is toxic to dogs. Most cases of poisoning are mild, but more serious symptoms of toxicity can develop. With this in mind, it's important to seek veterinary attention if your dog ingests any part of a jade plant, and monitor them closely for any symptoms.
Diagnosis of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog has eaten any part of a jade plant, even if they're not showing any symptoms, get them checked out by your veterinarian. Though it is rare for the side effects to be serious, it is best to consult a veterinary professional.
Try to bring a portion or picture of the plant with you so the veterinarian can see what it was your pet was snacking on. This can help with the diagnosis as well as the treatment plan. You'll also need to tell the veterinarian if your dog is on any medications.
A complete and thorough physical examination will need to be performed, and your vet will assess your dog's mental state as well as their hydration levels.
Treatment of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
To treat jade plant poisoning, your veterinarian will use the standard approach of evacuation, decontamination, fluid therapy, medication, and observation.
Evacuation
The first thing to be done is to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal is also given by mouth to absorb the toxins still undigested.
Fluid therapy
Fluids will be given by intravenous (IV) line to flush the kidneys. This also helps reduce the chances of dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.
Medication
There is usually not any need for medication. However, your veterinarian may give your pet an antiemetic to stop the vomiting if needed, as well as gastroprotectants.
Observation
Since jade plant poisoning is usually mild, the only observation needed will be you keeping an eye on your dog at home.
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Recovery of Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
The prognosis in the case of jade plant poisoning is typically excellent because the side effects are usually mild. If your dog does have any serious issues, your veterinarian may decide to keep your dog overnight, but this is rare.
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Jade Plant Poisoning Average Cost
From 572 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Top
Jade Plant Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Rottweiler
Diesel
10 Months
34 found this helpful
34 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Symptoms Present
Hi! I have a 10 month old Rottweiler who ate a tiny piece of a dead Jade plant. I was wondering if I need to do anything or to watch out for anything? He is fine right now as he ate it not long ago.
July 4, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
34 Recommendations
Jade can be irritating to the GI tract, and if Diesel ate enough to have a toxicity, you may see signs of vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite or lethargy. If any of those things occur, they would probably happen in the next few hours, and it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian for treatment.
July 4, 2018
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pitbull
Layla
3 Months
23 found this helpful
23 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking
My 3 month old puppy ate a jade plant yesterday. She was vomiting so we took her to the vet. We didnt know what plant it was until last night so the vet treated her the best he possibly could at that point in time. She got charcoal tablets,something to help the digestive system move the plant right along,laxatives and and injection to help with nausea. She has been shaking since yesterday almost like shes cold. Is that normal? Shes still not eating or drinking anything and vomitinghas stopped. I dont know if i should take her to the vet again is there anything else they could do for her to make it a bit more comfortable until all the simptoms stop?
Wouldnt help me giving meds names cause it might differ since im from south africa
March 24, 2018
23 Recommendations
Typically jade plant poisoning causes gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and lethargy; more severe symptoms may present when large quantities are consumed. You should try giving water slowly by syringe into the mouth to help keep her hydrated and introduce food after a few hours (boiled chicken and rice may be best); if you’re generally concerned you should visit your Veterinarian before they close for the weekend. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
March 24, 2018
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Cockapoo
toffee
16 Weeks
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Diarrhea
my curiosity had me researching this but
My 16 week cockapoo has genuinely been eating the leaves for the past 7 weeks and there doesn't seem to be any symptom's and noticed she's been getting more active and naughty over the last 1 or 2 weeks
I hope shes ok , if not will be throwing the tree away
Please advise
Jan. 20, 2018
6 Recommendations
Jade plant poisoning varies from plant to plant; but you should ensure that Toffee doesn’t have access to the plant to continue grazing on the leaves, just because there have been no ill effects so far doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Normally gastrointestinal symptoms occur after ingestion but in some poisoning events the heart may be affected or seizures may occur. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Jan. 20, 2018
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Cockapoo
Poochie
12 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anemia
Lethargy
Loss Of Appetite
We took our dog into the vet this evening because she would not eat all day. For the past few days, she's been very lethargic. The vet did an X-ray and a blood test; results show that her red blood cell count is very low, hemoglobin is low, and white blood cell count is high. The advice is to get a blood transfusion tomorrow. At home, we are trying to figure out what may have caused this, and that's when we remembered she ate part of a jade plant at home before Thanksgiving. Upon finding this wonderful site, we think this is what caused her to get sick.
We will bring her back to the vet in the AM, but before the blood transfusion will tell our vet what the dog had ingested days ago that we think is the culprit of the symptoms. In your opinion, should we continue with a blood transfusion, or will medication and IV fluids be an acceptable remedy? I get that the advice is to make the dog throw up, but I'm not sure if that applies here since she ingested the plant days ago.
Nov. 28, 2017
10 Recommendations
Anaemia isn’t a common symptom of jade poisoning, normally gastrointestinal symptoms along with a slow heart rate and twitch are regular symptoms; you should bring up the consumption of jade with your Veterinarian but if the numbers of red blood cells are low you should continue with the blood transfusion so that the blood can carry sufficient oxygen around the body during recovery. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 28, 2017
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German Shepherd
maverick
6.5 months
13 found this helpful
13 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
No Symptos
my german shepard got into my jade plant he is 6.5 months old and weighs about 75 pounds he didn't get much because I got it away from him what should I do he doesn't have any symptoms as of yet
Sept. 27, 2017
13 Recommendations
If ingestion was recent you should induce vomiting with 3% hydrogen peroxide and then administer activated charcoal; small quantities when consumed may cause gastrointestinal illness but larger quantities can cause serious health problems. After vomiting and giving activated charcoal you should encourage drinking; if you have any worried or concerns you should consult with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 27, 2017
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Mix-Lab/Pointer
Gus
7 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog ate a jade plant two hours ago. He has not shown any symptoms yet. Should I still bring him to the vet to get the carbon meds to induce vomiting so that it will be out of his system?
Labradors
All dogs and cats on our property
10 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Addiction
Compulsion
I generally would like to know WHY on earth do cats and dogs everything possible to eat or at least nab a bit from this plant? This is ridiculous. You can put them wherever you want, especially cats try to reach them. Any ideas?
Jade Plant Poisoning Average Cost
From 572 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$400
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
