Is it toxic to dogs?
Lantana
Lantana camara · Verbenaceae
Also called Shrub verbena, Yellow sage, Red sage
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Moderate
Yes. The ASPCA lists lantana as toxic to dogs. Vomiting and diarrhea are the usual result, but weakness and labored breathing are on the ASPCA's list, and liver damage has been seen mainly in livestock that eat large amounts.
- Toxic parts
- All parts should be treated as unsafe (the sources do not single out one part)
- Toxic compounds
- Pentacyclic triterpenoids (lantadenes A and B)
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Weakness
- Labored breathing
- Liver damage (documented mainly after large ingestions in livestock)
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Lantana is the sun-loving, heat-proof shrub covered in tight clusters of small flowers that shift from yellow to orange to pink as they age. It is a magnet for butterflies and a staple of summer borders and patio pots in warm regions.
The ASPCA lists lantana as toxic to dogs because of pentacyclic triterpenoids, which Pet Poison Helpline names as lantadenes A and B. The ASPCA records vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing and weakness, and notes that liver failure is more common in livestock. Pet Poison Helpline says pets most often get stomach upset with vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite, and it links liver injury and light-sensitive skin reactions to large ingestions by livestock.
That is reassuring but not a license to ignore it. Lantana spreads easily, grows low and sprawling, and shows up in places dogs wander. Because weakness and breathing trouble are listed, a vet call is the safe choice after a real chew.
If your dog ate lantana
Remove plant material from your dog's mouth and keep them away from the plant. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply) if your dog ate more than a nibble, even if they seem fine at first.
Head to an emergency clinic if your dog is weak, struggling to breathe, or vomiting repeatedly. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Tell the vet the plant name, how much was eaten and when.
Keeping your dog safe
Plant lantana in a fenced bed or in tall containers that your dog can't reach, and cut back sprawling stems that spill over onto the lawn. Check wild-growing patches in warm climates, where it can escape from gardens, and put pruned stems in a lidded bin rather than a pile your dog can reach.
A pet-friendlier colorful bed could include petunias or sunflowers. Reinforce "leave it" outside, and supervise yard time for plant chewers.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Does lantana cause liver damage in dogs?
The ASPCA says liver failure is more common in livestock, and Pet Poison Helpline links liver injury to large ingestions by grazing animals. Dogs usually get stomach upset, but call your vet if your dog ate a lot.
Are lantana berries the worst part?
The sources do not single out one part, so treat the flowers, leaves and berries alike.
Is lantana only a problem in big amounts?
Small bites usually mean stomach upset. Call your vet if your dog ate more than a nibble, seems weak or has trouble breathing.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy