Morning glory vines cause mild stomach upset, but the seeds are the real concern: they contain lysergic (LSA) alkaloids that affect the nervous system, and a large amount of seeds can cause hallucinations and agitation in dogs. The seeds, not the flowers, are what make this plant worth caution.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Part of our guide to My Dog Ate Morning Glory: Seeds, Vines, or Flowers?.
Enter your dog's details for a straight answer sized to them.
Why Morning Glory is dangerous
Morning glory seeds contain indole (lysergic acid) alkaloids that act on the nervous system. The vine and leaves cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but eating a quantity of seeds can bring on neurologic signs, including disorientation and hallucination-like behavior.
Part of the Foxglove guide
For related dog-safety questions and product-by-product answers, see the complete foxglove guide.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea; with seeds, agitation, disorientation, wobbliness, tremors, a racing heart
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Keep dogs away from seed heads and stored seed packets, and call your vet or poison control if seeds were eaten or your dog seems disoriented or agitated.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at morning glory
Morning glory seeds contain indole (lysergic acid) alkaloids that act on the nervous system. The vine and leaves cause mild gastrointestinal upset, but eating a quantity of seeds can bring on neurologic signs, including disorientation and hallucination-like behavior. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other plant question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Foxglove. A nibble of leaf or flower usually causes mild stomach upset. The concern is the seeds: a small amount is a low risk, but a larger quantity of seeds carries a real neurologic effect, and small dogs reach that point sooner.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Lantana. A small nibble of vine or flower in a bright dog can usually be watched at home. Seed ingestion is not a wait-and-see situation. Any real amount of seeds, a small dog, or signs of agitation, disorientation, wobbliness, tremors, or a racing heart.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Keep dogs away from seed heads and stored seed packets, and call your vet or poison control if seeds were eaten or your dog seems disoriented or agitated.
FAQ
A nibble of leaf or flower usually causes mild stomach upset. The concern is the seeds: a small amount is a low risk, but a larger quantity of seeds carries a real neurologic effect, and small dogs reach that point sooner.
A small nibble of vine or flower in a bright dog can usually be watched at home. Seed ingestion is not a wait-and-see situation.
Any real amount of seeds, a small dog, or signs of agitation, disorientation, wobbliness, tremors, or a racing heart.
- ASPCA APCC, toxic and non-toxic plants: morning glory (indole alkaloids in seeds)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: toxic and non-toxic plants
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals