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Is Petty Spurge Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate
✅ 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, petty spurge is toxic to dogs. Chewing a stem releases a caustic milky sap that burns the mouth and upsets the stomach.

Also known as: Radium Weed, Cancer Weed, Euphorbia peplus · Euphorbia peplus

What makes it toxic

Irritant diterpene esters carried in the milky latex of all plant parts. The sap is chemically caustic to mucous membranes and skin, and swallowed latex inflames the gut.

Warning signs to watch for

Immediate drooling and mouth rubbing, oral redness, vomiting, diarrhea and, with skin or eye contact, burning redness, swelling and eye watering.

What to do if your dog eats it

Flush the mouth and any exposed skin or eyes with plenty of cool water, then call your vet. Eye involvement or persistent vomiting needs same-day attention.

Common questions

My dog snapped a stem and got sap on its nose — now what?

Rinse the area generously with water for several minutes and stop the dog from rubbing. Persistent redness, swelling or squinting means a vet visit.

Is it dangerous dried or dead?

Dried sap loses some volatility but residue on hands, gloves or tools can still irritate eyes. Live or dead, the plant should not be chewed.

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.