PlantFunDoveweed Toxic?
The entire plant is toxic, containing calcium oxalate raphides, dicarboxylic acids, and nitrogen compounds including nitrates.
Exposure causes contact dermatitis in dogs, fatal nitrate poisoning in grazing ruminants, and severe acute toxicity in birds.
Treatment is primarily symptomatic, with methylene blue and vitamin C used to manage nitrate-induced methaemoglobinaemia.
FAQ
Is Doveweed toxic to Humans?
No specific human toxicity data documented, but sap contact may cause mild to moderate skin or mucous membrane irritation similar to related species in the family. (Low)
Is Doveweed toxic to Cats?
No species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin irritation, drooling, or digestive upset if contact or ingestion occurs. (Low)
Is Doveweed toxic to Dogs?
Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (vesicopustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation); potential systemic symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy. (Moderate)
Is Doveweed toxic to Horses?
No species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin irritation, digestive distress, or abnormal vital signs after exposure. (Low)
Toxicity Details
No specific human toxicity data documented, but sap contact may cause mild to moderate skin or mucous membrane irritation similar to related species in the family.
No species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin irritation, drooling, or digestive upset if contact or ingestion occurs.
Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (vesicopustular skin/mucous membrane lesions, itching, redness, swelling, exudation); potential systemic symptoms include acute circulatory collapse, vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
No species-specific toxicity data available; monitor for skin irritation, digestive distress, or abnormal vital signs after exposure.
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • For skin contact: Rinse affected area immediately with cool running water for 10-15 minutes to remove all residual plant sap.
- • If ingested: Rinse mouth thoroughly with clean water, do not induce vomiting unless advised by a vet/medical professional.
- • For eye exposure: Flush eyes continuously with sterile saline or clean water for 15 minutes, holding eyelids open to remove all plant debris.
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Severe skin/eye reactions including blistering, persistent swelling, or pain that does not improve after rinsing.
- • Signs of ingestion: vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or abnormal gum/skin color.
- • Exposure in birds, cattle, or other grazing livestock, as acute fatal toxicity is possible.
Prevention
- • Wear protective gloves when handling the plant, avoid unprotected skin contact with sap or plant tissue.
- • Keep the plant out of reach of companion animals, and prevent livestock from grazing in areas with dense doveweed growth.
- • Confirm identification of the plant before handling to avoid confusion with non-toxic related ornamental or forage species.
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care: antihistamines and topical anti-inflammatory treatments for contact dermatitis, intravenous fluid therapy for circulatory support.
- • For nitrate-induced methaemoglobinaemia in cattle: Administer 1% methylene blue solution slowly intravenously at 9mg/kg, repeat after 30 minutes if symptoms persist.
- • Administer vitamin C as directed: 20mg/kg intravenously initially, followed by 30mg/kg orally 3 times daily to support recovery.
Professional Toxicology
• Sharp calcium oxalate raphides cause physical irritation to skin and mucous membranes on contact.
• Plant sap components trigger cell-mediated immune reactions leading to inflammatory contact dermatitis lesions.
• Accumulated nitrates in plant tissue cause methaemoglobinaemia when ingested, reducing oxygen transport in the blood and leading to acute organ damage or death.
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.