Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Are ferns toxic to dogs? Not all ferns are toxic to dogs. Some of them are considered dog-safe while others are declared as poisonous risks to canines. Ingesting the toxic varieties can cause mild stomach issues to life-threatening organ damage.
We will help you determine which types of ferns are dog-friendly to help ensure safe outdoor excursions with your dog.
What Types of Ferns Are Safe for Dogs?
Most true ferns are dog-friendly plants. They are classified under the genus Polypodiopsida.
Plant varieties belonging to this group have leaves, stems, and roots similar to flowering plants. What sets them apart is their inability to produce flowers or seeds.
True ferns generally reproduce through spreading spores instead of seeds. Some of the dog-safe true fern plants you can grow at home are:
- Button fern (Pellaea rotundifolia)
- Carrot fern (Onychium japonicum)
- Hart’s tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium L. var. americanum)
- Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum)
- Mother fern (Asplenium bulbiferum)
- Rabbit’s foot fern (Davallia fejeensis)
- Staghorn fern (Platycerium bifurcatum)
- Sword fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
While these true fern plants are considered nontoxic to dogs, ingesting them can cause gastric issues since plant matter is difficult for their digestive tract to break down.
Thus, do not let Fido munch on any of these plants or else, indigestion and stomach upset may occur. Whether they are grown indoors or outdoors, they should be kept in an inaccessible area to your canine companion.
What Fern Varieties Are Poisonous to Dogs?
Here is a list of ferns that can induce plant toxicity in canines when consumed:
1. Bracken Fern (Pteridium aquilinum)
Bracken fern is a true fern that contains carcinogenic properties, which have induced poisoning in cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, and even humans.
It reportedly caused bloody urine, loss of vision, and neurological problems in livestock. On the other hand, intake of milk produced by bracken fern-eating cattle increases the risk of cancer in humans.
The bracken fern’s toxicity is not definitively known to apply to dogs. However, some pawrents have alleged that this plant has triggered neurological disorders such as body incoordination, muscle weakness, and tremors in their dogs after ingestion.
2. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
The asparagus fern is not a true fern since it does not produce spores. This plant gained its name because its leaves closely look similar to those of true ferns.
The asparagus fern belongs to the Liliaceae or lily family, which includes several toxic plants to dogs such as tulips, amaryllis, and hosta. This herbaceous shrub comes in different varieties like:
- Emerald feather (Goeppertia albertii)
- Emerald fern (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Sprengeri’)
- Lace fern (Asparagus setaceus)
- Plumosa fern (Asparagus plumosus)
- Sprengeri fern (Asparagus aethiopicus L.)
A steroidal compound called sapogenin is found in several parts of the asparagus fern, including its stems, roots, leaves, and berries. Consuming this plant may cause gastric symptoms, including:
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
Frequent skin exposure to the plant’s sap may lead to contact dermatitis. Accompanying symptoms that may appear are blistering, swelling, and redness of the skin.
Chewing and swallowing the asparagus fern also causes mouth and throat irritation, resulting in difficulty swallowing.
3. Fern Palm (Zamia spp.)
Although containing the word “fern” in its name, the fern palm does not belong to the Polypodiopsida family. The plant is a part of the Zamia genus, which is composed of many highly poisonous plants for dogs.
The fern palm’s fruits and seeds produce high concentrations of three toxic agents: cycasin, b-methylamino-l-alanine, and an unknown poisonous compound.
Ingesting even 1 or 2 seeds of this plant can be very life-threatening to dogs. GI distress in the form of stomach pain, bloody vomiting, dark stools, jaundice and excessive water intake may ensue.
Consuming a large amount of the fern palm’s seeds will incite fatal side effects such as seizures, liver failure, and coma. Due to the plant’s severe toxicity, the chances of a good prognosis in dogs are very low.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten a Toxic Fern?
Dogs that snacked on toxic ferns should be taken to the animal clinic. But before doing so, take some time to list down important information like:
- The type and part of the plant ingested
- Amount consumed
- Estimated time of ingestion
- Toxicity symptoms that manifested
Bringing a sample of this plant with you is also recommended. This helps the veterinarian properly distinguish what kind of poisonous plant it is.
You can collect its leaves, seeds, stems, flowers, and fruits then store them in a ziplock bag. Alternatively, consider taking a few snapshots of the plant.
How Is Fern Poisoning Treated in Dogs?
The possible treatment options for fern toxicity in canines are:
Decontamination
If affected dogs come into contact with sapogenins, parts of their body that were exposed to this compound will be thoroughly washed to avoid stop persistent irritation.
Induce Vomiting
Depending on the type of toxin present in the plant, the veterinarian may induce vomiting in the affected animal using apomorphine administered subcutaneously.
It helps expel the poisonous compounds in the digestive tract of dogs. Afterward, activated charcoal will be taken orally to prevent absorption into the body.
IV Fluid Therapy
Vomiting and diarrhea caused by fern poisoning lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
To counteract the side effects of these symptoms, affected dogs will be given IV fluids. It also aids in clearing away the toxins in their system through the kidneys.
Medications
Dogs suffering from contact dermatitis will be administered antihistamines. Gastrointestinal issues are treated through the use of medications like antiemetics and gastric protectants.
FAQs About Ferns for Dogs
1. Are Boston Ferns Toxic to Dogs?
No, Boston ferns (Nephrolepis exaltata) are not toxic to dogs. Considered true ferns, they do not produce poisonous chemicals that will make your canine companion ill.
That being said, eating this plant should not be encouraged as its plant matter is difficult to break down. Pooches that are allowed to do so are at risk of experiencing stomach upset.
2. Are Birds Nest Ferns Toxic to Dogs?
No, bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium nidus) are some of the many true fern varieties that do not pose a toxic danger to dogs.
As with any dog-safe garden plants, they should be placed in an area inaccessible to dogs as ingesting them will lead to indigestion.3. Are Asparagus Ferns Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, asparagus ferns are toxic to dogs because they produce sapogenin. The compound irritates the gastric tract of dogs when ingested, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Coming into contact with asparagus fern’s sap is also harmful to dogs since it triggers skin irritation.
4. Are Foxtail Ferns Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Yes, foxtail ferns (Asparagus densiflorus ‘Myersii’) are toxic to both cats and dogs since they are a asparagus fern variety. Consuming these plants results in gastrointestinal distress, while skin contact with their sap leads to contact dermatitis.
For these reasons, foxtail ferns are not fit to be kept as indoor and outdoor plants if you own a cat or dog.
Summary
So are ferns toxic to dogs? Safe to say, most true ferns are not toxic to dogs except for the bracken fern.
While these plants can be grown in a canine-friendly garden, they should be well-fenced to prevent Fido from snacking on them. Otherwise, he might have an upset tummy due to indigestion after eating true ferns.
Never let your dog consume asparagus ferns since they are poisonous. Exposure to their sap must be avoided as well as it can irritate the skin.
Another plant pawrents need to steer their furry pals away from is the fern palm. Eating just a few of its seeds induces deadly side effects like liver failure.
Numerous plants are dangerous to dogs. Know which ones you should avoid growing in your garden by going through our Plants section.
