# Is Lantana Poisonous to Dogs? Symptoms and What to Do Yes, lantana is poisonous to dogs. The common garden lantana, Lantana camara, is listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [1]. The leaves and unripe berries are the parts dogs most often eat, and they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and in serious cases liver injury [1]. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - Lantana camara is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain the toxic principle, though the leaves and green berries are the biggest concern [1]. - The toxic compounds are pentacyclic triterpenoids, which irritate the gut and can damage the liver [1]. - Early signs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and labored breathing. Liver failure is reported more often in livestock than in dogs [1]. - If your dog ate lantana, call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. - Do not make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to. ## Is Lantana Poisonous to Dogs? Yes. Lantana camara appears on the ASPCA list of plants toxic to dogs, with vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, and weakness listed as clinical signs [1]. The plant also goes by common names like shrub verbena, yellow sage, and red sage [1]. One important distinction: not every plant called "lantana" is the same species. Wild lantana (Abronia fragrans), also called sand verbena or prairie snowball, is listed as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [2]. That plant belongs to a different family (Nyctaginaceae) than the toxic garden lantana (Verbenaceae) [1][2]. So the name on the nursery tag matters. ### Which Parts of the Lantana Plant Are Toxic? The toxic principle, pentacyclic triterpenoids, is present in the plant, and the leaves and berries are the parts dogs tend to sample [1]. Green, unripe berries may be especially appealing because they look like small fruit. Fallen leaves and clippings on the ground are easy to grab during a backyard sniff-and-snack session. ### Is Lantana Harmful to Dogs in All Colors? Color does not decide toxicity. Lantana camara comes in many flower colors, including yellow, purple, orange, pink, red, and white, and they all belong to the same toxic species [1]. So yellow lantana and purple lantana are both toxic to dogs for the same reason [1]. A plant's flower color is a variety trait, not a safety label. ### Are Lantana Flowers Toxic to Dogs? The flowers are part of the same toxic plant, so treat them as unsafe [1]. That said, most reported poisonings involve the leaves and berries because those are the parts dogs actually chew and swallow [1]. If your dog nibbles a flower, do not panic, but do call for advice and watch for vomiting or diarrhea. ### Is All Lantana Toxic to Dogs? No. Garden lantana (Lantana camara) is toxic, while wild lantana (Abronia fragrans) is listed as non-toxic to dogs [1][2]. The two plants share a common name but are different species in different plant families [1][2]. If you are not sure which one is growing in your yard, assume it is the toxic kind until a veterinarian or horticulturist confirms otherwise. ## What Makes Lantana Toxic? The toxic principle in Lantana camara is a group of compounds called pentacyclic triterpenoids [1]. In the body, these compounds irritate the gastrointestinal tract, which is why vomiting and diarrhea show up early [1]. With larger exposures, they can injure the liver [1]. The liver is the organ that processes toxins, and it can be damaged by many different substances. Veterinary research has documented drug-induced liver injury in dogs from medications such as leflunomide, rivaroxaban, and azathioprine, which shows how sensitive the canine liver can be to toxic insults [3][4][5]. Plant toxins can affect the liver in similar ways. If you want a broader picture of what plants can do to dogs, see [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs). ## Symptoms of Lantana Poisoning in Dogs The ASPCA lists these clinical signs for lantana toxicosis: vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, and weakness [1]. Liver failure is noted as more common in livestock than in dogs [1]. ### Early Signs - Vomiting - Diarrhea - Drooling or lip smacking (from mouth irritation) - Refusing food - Acting tired or weak ### Signs That Worry Veterinarians Most - Labored breathing [1] - Severe weakness or collapse [1] - Repeated vomiting that will not stop - Yellow tint to the gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice) - Dark urine or a sudden drop in appetite and energy over days ### How Soon Do Symptoms Start? Most dogs show stomach upset within a few hours of eating the plant. Liver-related signs can take longer, sometimes days, because liver damage builds over time. If your dog ate lantana and looks normal right now, that does not mean you can skip the phone call. Early decontamination and monitoring are easier than treating a sick liver later. ## What to Do Right Now If Your Dog Ate Lantana 1. Move your dog away from the plant and pick up any berries, leaves, or clippings within reach. 2. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 3. Tell them what part of the plant was eaten, how much, and when. If you can, take a photo of the plant or bring a sample. 4. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Making a dog vomit when it should not can cause more harm than good. 5. Do not give human medications, milk, oil, or home remedies. They can interfere with treatment. 6. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, or trouble breathing, and report any change to the veterinarian. If your dog is having trouble breathing, is collapsing, or cannot stand, go to an emergency veterinary hospital now. Do not wait for a callback. ## How Veterinarians Treat Lantana Poisoning Treatment depends on how much your dog ate and how sick it is. Your veterinarian will start with a physical exam and questions about the exposure. If the ingestion was recent and your dog is stable, they may induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to limit absorption. Never do this at home on your own. Supportive care often includes intravenous fluids to correct dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea, anti-nausea medications, and a bland diet once the stomach settles. If liver injury is suspected, your veterinarian may run blood work to check liver enzymes and other values, and repeat it over time to track progress. There is no specific antidote for lantana. Care is focused on removing the toxin, supporting the body, and protecting the liver while it recovers. If you want to understand how veterinarians decide when a pet needs to be seen, this article on [My Dog Ate a Mushroom: How to Tell If It's Toxic](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-mushroom-toxic) walks through that decision process. ## Outlook for Dogs That Eat Lantana Many dogs that eat a small amount and get prompt care do well with supportive treatment. Dogs with heavy exposure or delayed treatment are at higher risk of serious liver injury [1]. The ASPCA notes that liver failure is more common in livestock than in dogs, which is somewhat reassuring, but it does not mean dogs cannot get very sick [1]. Recovery depends on how much was eaten, how quickly you sought help, and your dog's underlying health. Blood work monitoring is the best way to know whether the liver is involved. If liver values are rising, your veterinarian will want to recheck them until they normalize. ## Preventing Lantana Poisoning The simplest prevention is to keep lantana out of your yard if you have a dog that eats plants. If lantana already grows on your property, fence it off, trim it back, and pick up fallen berries and leaves. Supervise your dog outdoors, especially in warm states where lantana thrives as a landscape shrub. When you are choosing plants, ask your nursery for pet-safe options and check each species against a reliable toxic plant list [1]. If you are unsure about a plant, treat it as toxic until you confirm otherwise. Other common household and yard hazards cause similar stomach and liver signs. If your dog eats something unusual, these guides can help you sort out the risk: [Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Allicin Toxicity in Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-food-safety/can-dogs-eat-garlic-allicin-toxicity-in-dogs), [My Dog Ate a Frog: Is It Poisonous?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-frog-poisonous), and [Are Tarantulas Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-poisonous-to-dogs-understanding-the-risks). ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers general information, not your dog's specific case. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog, ask about the exposure, and run tests if needed. Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline the same day if your dog ate any part of a lantana plant, even if your dog seems fine. Early advice matters because symptoms can take hours to appear. Go to an emergency hospital now if your dog is having labored breathing, is collapsing, cannot stand, has repeated vomiting, or has a yellow tint to the gums or eyes [1]. Schedule a routine visit if your dog ate a tiny amount days ago and now seems a little tired or is eating less than usual. A physical exam and blood work can check the liver and give you peace of mind. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is lantana harmful to dogs if they only eat one berry? One berry can still cause stomach upset, so call your veterinarian or a poison hotline for advice. Do not wait for symptoms, because early guidance helps you decide whether your dog needs to be seen. ### Is Lantana camara toxic to dogs? Yes, Lantana camara is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [1]. It contains pentacyclic triterpenoids, and the leaves and berries are the parts dogs most often eat [1]. ### Is purple lantana toxic to dogs? Yes, purple lantana is the same toxic species as other flower colors [1]. Flower color does not change the toxicity, so treat every Lantana camara variety as unsafe for dogs [1]. ### Is yellow lantana toxic to dogs? Yes, yellow lantana is also Lantana camara and is toxic to dogs [1]. The color of the blooms is a variety trait, not a safety feature. ### Is all lantana toxic to dogs? No, garden lantana is toxic while wild lantana (Abronia fragrans) is listed as non-toxic to dogs [1][2]. They are different plants that happen to share a common name, so confirm the species before you relax. ## Related Articles - [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Are Tarantulas Poisonous to Dogs? Understanding the Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-poisonous-to-dogs-understanding-the-risks) - [My Dog Ate a Frog: Is It Poisonous?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-frog-poisonous) - [My Dog Ate a Mushroom: How to Tell If It's Toxic](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/vet-visit-decisions/dog-ate-mushroom-toxic) - [Can Dogs Eat Garlic? Allicin Toxicity in Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-food-safety/can-dogs-eat-garlic-allicin-toxicity-in-dogs) - [Are Tarantulas Dangerous to Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-care/are-tarantulas-dangerous-to-dogs) - [Is Lantana Poisonous to Cats? Signs and Treatment](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/lantana-poisonous-to-cats) - [Are Azaleas Poisonous to Dogs? Leaves, Flowers, and Signs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/azaleas-poisonous-to-dogs) - [Are Hydrangeas Toxic to Dogs? Signs and What to Do](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/hydrangea-toxic-dogs) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Lantana](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/lantana). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Wild Lantana](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/wild-lantana). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Cutaneous and mucosal ulceration associated with the use of leflunomide in three dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41742543/). Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 2026. 4. [Case report: Severe hepatopathy following rivaroxaban administration in a dog](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38638638/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2024. 5. [Prevalence of hepatotoxicity and myelosuppression with alternate day use of azathioprine and glucocorticoids for treatment of dermatological conditions in dogs](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36000613/). Veterinary dermatology, 2022. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)