Is it toxic to dogs?
Kalanchoe
Kalanchoe spp. · Crassulaceae
Also called Mother of millions, Devil's backbone, Chandelier plant, Mother-in-law plant, Flaming Katy
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Moderate
Yes. Kalanchoe is toxic to dogs. Most dogs get vomiting and diarrhea, but the plant contains cardiac toxins, and a large amount can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, weakness or collapse.
- Toxic parts
- Whole plant, especially the leaves
- Toxic compounds
- Bufadienolides (cardiac glycosides)
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
Signs of poisoning
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm (rare)
- Weakness after large ingestions
- Collapse after large ingestions
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Kalanchoe is a succulent with thick, scalloped leaves and clusters of tiny flowers in red, orange, pink or yellow. It's sold as a long-blooming gift plant and is easy to keep indoors. Types known as mother of millions drop plantlets along their leaf edges, and those can end up on the floor.
The ASPCA lists kalanchoe as toxic to dogs and names bufadienolides as the toxic principle. These belong to the cardiac glycoside family, and Merck Veterinary Manual says they are found mainly in the leaves. Pet Poison Helpline says most ingestions cause digestive upset, while a large amount may cause heart rate and rhythm changes, weakness and collapse. The ASPCA notes that an abnormal heart rhythm is possible but rare.
Dogs usually chew on the leaves of a pot left on a coffee table or windowsill, or snack on dropped plantlets.
If your dog ate kalanchoe
Take away the plant and note how much was eaten. A bite of leaf often causes vomiting or diarrhea, but because of the heart-related toxins, it's wise to call your vet or a poison helpline instead of waiting. If you're in the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 are available (fees may apply); elsewhere, phone your local emergency vet. Never try to make your dog vomit yourself.
Weakness, collapse, a very fast, slow or irregular pulse, or repeated vomiting mean you should head to an emergency clinic. Bring the plant or a photo, and tell the vet about any plant food or pesticide used.
Keeping your dog safe
Keep kalanchoe on a high shelf, in a hanging basket or in a room your dog can't enter. Sweep up dropped leaves and plantlets promptly, because they take root easily and are easy to miss.
If your dog is a chewer, skip it. Christmas cactus and African violets give you blooms and are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. Training "leave it" and providing safe chews keeps most houseplants out of trouble.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is kalanchoe poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists kalanchoe as toxic to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline says it is in a plant group that contains cardiac toxins.
What happens if a dog eats kalanchoe?
Most dogs get vomiting and diarrhea. A large amount may cause heart rhythm changes, weakness and collapse, according to Pet Poison Helpline.
Is a little bit dangerous?
A small nibble usually causes only stomach upset, but call your vet or a poison helpline to be safe, since the plant contains cardiac toxins.
Is mother of millions the same as kalanchoe?
Yes. The ASPCA lists mother of millions, devil's backbone and chandelier plant among the common names for Kalanchoe, all toxic to dogs.
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