Is Hellebore Toxic to Pets?
Yes — hellebore is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Yes — hellebore is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Yes — hellebore is toxic to horses and can be fatal.
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
- Helleborus spp.
- Toxic compound
- Bufadienolides and glycosides
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Also known as
- christmas rose, lenten rose
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Dogs (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
Horses (toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Slow, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Weakness
- Collapse; can be fatal
What to do
If your cat ate hellebore
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate hellebore
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate hellebore
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Christmas and Lenten roses contain heart-active compounds and severe gut irritants.
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Frequently asked questions
Is hellebore toxic to cats?
Yes — hellebore is toxic to cats and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is hellebore toxic to dogs?
Yes — hellebore is toxic to dogs and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Is hellebore toxic to horses?
Yes — hellebore is toxic to horses and can be fatal. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of hellebore are toxic?
All parts.
What makes hellebore toxic?
Bufadienolides and glycosides.