Is it toxic to dogs?
Morning glory
Ipomoea spp. · Convolvulaceae
Also called Common morning glory, Purple morning glory, Ipomoea
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Moderate
Yes. The ASPCA lists morning glory as toxic to dogs. The seeds are the main concern: large amounts can cause hallucination-like behavior, while the leaves and flowers more often cause an upset stomach.
- Toxic parts
- Seeds (most toxic), Leaves and flowers (stomach upset)
- Toxic compounds
- Indole alkaloids (lysergic acid, lysergamide, elymoclavine and chanoclavine)
- Where you’ll find it
- Garden
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (mainly from leaves and flowers)
- Hallucination-like behavior after large amounts of seeds
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Morning glories are the fast-growing twining vines that cover fences, trellises and mailbox posts with trumpet-shaped flowers that open at sunrise. The flowers give way to small seed capsules, and that is where the story gets serious.
The ASPCA lists morning glory (Ipomoea species) as toxic to dogs because of indole alkaloids, including lysergic acid compounds, which Pet Poison Helpline calls ergot alkaloids. It says vomiting can occur and that large amounts of seeds may cause hallucinations. Pet Poison Helpline names the seeds as the most toxic part and says the foliage and flowers tend to cause stomach upset such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Dogs are exposed through seed capsules that drop under the vine or through seed packets stored within reach. A dog that gorges on seeds is the case to worry about most.
If your dog ate morning glory
Take seed pods or packets away from your dog and 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 seeds were eaten, particularly in a larger amount. Don't wait for odd behavior to appear.
Go to an emergency clinic if your dog starts acting strangely, seems to react to things that aren't there, or is vomiting repeatedly. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Bring the seed packet or a photo of the plant and note when and how much.
Keeping your dog safe
Train vines up a trellis that your dog can't reach, and rake up fallen seed capsules before they scatter across the yard. Store seed packets in a cabinet or garage shelf, not on a low bench.
If you want a flowering vine without the worry, a climbing rose is a better call. For dogs that dig and snack in the garden, a firm "leave it" and supervised yard time are your best tools.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Which part of morning glory is most toxic?
Pet Poison Helpline names the seeds as the most toxic part. Foliage and flowers more commonly cause stomach upset.
Can morning glory seeds make a dog hallucinate?
The ASPCA says eating a large amount of seeds may cause hallucinations. If your dog ate seeds, call your vet or a poison hotline.
Are the flowers poisonous too?
Pet Poison Helpline says foliage or flowers may cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are less concerning than seeds.
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