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Is Crown Vetch Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, crown vetch is toxic to dogs. The nitrotoxin 3-nitropropionic acid in its foliage and seeds attacks the nervous system and has killed grazing livestock.

Also known as: Axseed, Hive Vine, Securigera varia · Securigera varia (syn. Coronilla varia)

What makes it toxic

Nitro compounds dominated by 3-nitropropionic acid, which poisons mitochondrial energy metabolism and damages nerve tissue. Seeds concentrate the toxin, and leaves and flowers carry enough to matter.

Warning signs to watch for

Weak, rapid breathing, hind-end wobbliness, muscle tremors and lethargy within hours to a day, potentially escalating to seizures and paralysis.

What to do if your dog eats it

Go to a vet promptly after any known ingestion. Say that crown vetch was eaten — nervous-system signs can be mistaken for other poisonings, and early decontamination is the most useful step.

Common questions

Why is it dangerous if farmers plant it on purpose?

Crown vetch is used to hold soil on slopes, not as forage — grazing animals have been poisoned by it. Decorative roadside planting says nothing about pet safety.

Are the seeds worse than the leaves?

Yes, the seed pods hold the highest toxin levels, but leaves and flowers are also unsafe. A dog chewing on any part deserves a vet call.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.