Vinca Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 2,074 found this helpful

Vinca rosea

Vinca is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per ASPCA data

Toxic effects are driven by naturally occurring vinca alkaloids present in the plant

Ingestion can lead to life-threatening symptoms including seizures, coma and death

FAQ

Is Vinca toxic to Humans?

No specific human toxicity data provided; large ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms (Low)

Is Vinca toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death (Severe)

Is Vinca toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death (Severe)

Is Vinca toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No specific human toxicity data provided; large ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms

Cats

Severe

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death

Dogs

Severe

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death

Horses

Severe

Vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, depression, tremors, seizures, coma, potential death

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll plant parts, particularly leaves and seeds, contain toxic compounds

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure via ingestion; skin contact may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals

Toxic CompoundsVinca Alkaloids

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth and surrounding area immediately
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian
• Rinse the animal's mouth and any exposed skin thoroughly with clean cool water

Contact Vet Immediately

• If you witness your cat, dog or horse ingesting any part of a vinca plant
• If the animal exhibits symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, tremors or seizures after potential exposure
• If you are unsure if the plant your animal consumed is vinca or another toxic species

Prevention

• Keep vinca plants out of reach of cats, dogs and horses in both indoor and outdoor spaces
• Learn to identify vinca and other toxic Apocynaceae family plants to avoid accidental exposure
• Dispose of trimmed vinca waste in sealed containers inaccessible to animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to absorb remaining toxic compounds in the gastrointestinal tract
• Provide supportive care including IV fluid therapy, antiemetics and anti-seizure medication as needed
• Monitor blood pressure and neurological function closely for 24-72 hours post-exposure

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameVinca rosea

AliasesPeriwinkle、Running Myrtle

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCardiovascular systemNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Vinca alkaloids interfere with normal cell division, and disrupt cardiovascular, neurological and gastrointestinal function in affected animals

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle, sheep and goats: Expected to have similar severe toxicity as horses, ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal, neurological and cardiac symptoms and potential death

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): High toxicity risk, even small ingestion amounts may cause severe adverse reactions including fatal outcomes

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Lesser Periwinkle Vinca minor

Visually similar with matching trailing growth habit and five-petaled flowers; V. minor has smaller leaves and flowers than V. rosea, and is also toxic to domestic animals

Greater Periwinkle Vinca major

Shares the same trailing growth pattern and flower shape as V. rosea; V. major has broader, larger leaves, and is also classified as toxic to pets and livestock

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Related Toxic Plants

Oleander

Nerium oleander

Severe toxicity, ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal to humans and all domestic animals

Common Milkweed

Asclepias syriaca

High toxicity, causes cardiac arrhythmia and neurological symptoms in exposed animals

Hemp Dogbane

Apocynum cannabinum

Moderate to high toxicity, causes severe gastrointestinal distress and cardiac dysfunction if ingested

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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