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Is Castor Bean toxic to dogs and cats?

Ricinus communis · Euphorbiaceae

Yes — Castor Bean is toxic to pets (critical). Dogs, cats and livestock

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Is Castor Bean toxic to cats?Is Castor Bean toxic to dogs?
My pet just ate this
Why it is toxic

Ricin, a ribosome-inactivating toxalbumin concentrated in the seed

How fast symptoms appear: Delayed — 6 to 48 hours

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Severe vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Weakness
  • Tremors and seizures
  • Multi-organ failure
What to do first
  1. Emergency vet even if only one seed was chewed.
  2. Bring the seeds, pods or packaging — castor beans are also sold as jewellery beads.
  3. Do not wait for symptoms; onset is delayed.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Decontamination, aggressive intravenous fluids, gastrointestinal protectants, seizure control and intensive monitoring of liver and kidney function.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Merck Veterinary Manual, Toxicology. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.