Is turtle vine toxic to dogs?
Callisia repens
Yes. Turtle vine is toxic to dogs, graded medium severity by NC State Extension. Call your vet if a dog has eaten any.
- Take any remaining plant material out of their mouth and rinse the mouth with water.
- Call someone. Your own vet first. Otherwise ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 — both charge a fee.
- Take a photo of the plant, and note roughly how much was eaten and when. It is the first thing you will be asked.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
What it does, and why
The authorities we cite record this species as toxic without identifying the responsible compound. We are not going to guess at one. The reported signs below are what is actually documented.
Reported signs
- skin irritation
- dermatitis
Signs as listed by the ASPCA . Not every animal shows all of them.
What each authority says
- ASPCA
- No record page found under any name tested.
- NC State Extension
- Poison severity: Medium · Calcium oxalate crystals · If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, throat swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing for children and pets. The leaves have an oil that can cause skin and oral irritation.
What to keep instead
Species in this database listed non-toxic to cats and dogs, chosen for a similar look or similar care rather than at random.
| Plant | Family | Water | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ripple peperomiaPeperomia caperata | Piperaceae | 7–14d | 1/5 |
| Baby’s tearsSoleirolia soleirolii | Urticaceae | 2–6d | 3/5 |
Swapping the plant is the only measure that reliably works. Height and hanging baskets buy less time than people expect with a determined cat.
The other animal
Looking for cats? See is turtle vine toxic to cats. Full care details are on the turtle vine species entry.
Sources
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Callisia repens Checked 2026-09-12.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — Callisia repens Accepted name and family. Checked 2026-09-12.
- Wikidata entity Q1693148 — entity identity, so this record can be matched against other databases.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435 — emergency line, fee applies
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Tony Valcarcel is the editor and publisher of this database, not a veterinarian.
Severity is reproduced from the authority that published it and is never
originated here. How this is sourced.
This page is a reference, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call rather than read.