Is Poison Hemlock Toxic to Dogs?
Also known as: Deadly Hemlock, Poison Parsley, Conium maculatum · Conium maculatum
What makes it toxic
Coniine and gamma-coniceine, piperidine alkaloids throughout the plant and concentrated in roots and seeds. They progressively paralyze skeletal muscles, ending with the diaphragm.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting, muscle weakness, trembling, incoordination, dilated pupils, slowed heart rate and cold extremities, advancing to paralysis and respiratory failure.
What to do if your dog eats it
Immediate ER. Take the dog to the nearest vet or animal hospital right away with a plant sample. Tell the vet what was eaten and when — decontamination and airway support are time-critical.
Common questions
My dog dug up white-flowered roots on a hike — could that be hemlock?
Treat it as hemlock until proven otherwise and go to a vet immediately. Hemlock roots look like wild parsnip or carrot and are its most toxic part.
How fast does hemlock poisoning progress?
Signs often begin within an hour and can progress to paralysis over a few hours, which is why waiting to see is never an option.
Can hemlock poison through skin contact alone?
Handling the plant can mildly irritate skin, and the sap can be absorbed somewhat — the lethal route is eating it. Wash fur and skin that touched it.
More plants checked for dogs
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.