🐾 PawSafe Check

Are Ornamental peppers Toxic to Pets?

Yes — ornamental peppers are mildly toxic to cats. Yes — ornamental peppers are mildly toxic to dogs.

CatsMildly toxicAre ornamental peppers toxic to cats? →DogsMildly toxicAre ornamental peppers toxic to dogs? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Scientific name
Capsicum annuum
Toxic compound
Capsaicin, solanine
Toxic parts
Fruit and leaves

Symptoms

Cats (mildly toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite

Dogs (mildly toxic)

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Reduced appetite

What to do

If your cat ate ornamental peppers

  • Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.

If your dog ate ornamental peppers

  • Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.

Good to know

These colorful fall plants are nightshades. The fruit is hot and the leaves contain solanine, causing stomach upset.

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Frequently asked questions

Are ornamental peppers toxic to cats?

Yes — ornamental peppers are mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.

Are ornamental peppers toxic to dogs?

Yes — ornamental peppers are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite.

Which parts of ornamental peppers are toxic?

Fruit and leaves.

What makes ornamental peppers toxic?

Capsaicin, solanine.

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