Is it toxic to dogs?
African violets
Saintpaulia spp. · Gesneriaceae
Also called Saintpaulia
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists African violets (Saintpaulia) as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD includes them among plants safe for dogs. Cyclamen, a similar-looking windowsill flower, is toxic.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
African violets are compact, fuzzy-leaved houseplants that flower in pinks, purples and whites, often on kitchen or bedroom windowsills. ASPCA lists Saintpaulia as non-toxic to dogs, with no toxic principle or clinical signs given. PetMD's list of plants safe for dogs includes African violets too.
That makes them one of the easier flowering houseplants to share a home with a dog. Because they are low plants that sit at the edge of a table, though, they are easy for a dog to knock over or chew, and any plant material can cause a mild upset stomach. Soil, plant food and sprays are separate issues from the plant.
The look-alike to know is cyclamen. It is another low, flowering plant that is often sold as a gift plant, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs. Its terpenoid saponins cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and large ingestions of the tubers can cause heart rhythm changes, seizures and death.
If your dog ate african violets
A chewed leaf or flower is rarely a problem. ASPCA lists African violets as non-toxic, though your dog may have a mild upset stomach with vomiting or loose stool.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a large amount, or the plant was recently fertilized or sprayed. Call right away if you are not sure whether the plant was an African violet or a cyclamen, especially if your dog is drooling a lot. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not make your dog vomit at home. Keep the plant tag and any product label for the vet.
Keeping your dog safe
Windowsills are the usual spot, but they are also easy to reach. A tall shelf, a hanging shelf or a room your dog does not use keeps small pots out of reach and out of the dirt.
Keep African violet plant food, fertilizer and sprays in a closed cabinet. Pet Poison Helpline notes that fertilizers may contain iron and added pesticides, and that larger ingestions can cause serious poisoning.
When you buy a flowering gift plant, check the label. Plants ASPCA lists as non-toxic include orchids and Christmas cactus, while cyclamen and kalanchoe belong out of reach.
Frequently asked questions
Are African violets toxic to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists them as non-toxic to dogs. Chewing any plant can still cause a mild upset stomach.
Is cyclamen the same as African violet?
No. They are different plants. ASPCA lists cyclamen as toxic to dogs, with drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and heart and seizure problems after large ingestions of tubers.
Does ASPCA list any signs for African violet?
No. Its entry lists the plant as non-toxic to dogs and gives no toxic principle or clinical signs. A mild upset stomach is still possible after eating plant material.
Should the plant food worry me?
Yes, a little. Pet Poison Helpline says fertilizers can contain iron, minerals and added pesticides, so store them securely and call your vet if your dog eats some.
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