Are sweet peas poisonous to dogs?

Updated 11/07/2023

The colorful, sweet-smelling sweet pea: an easy-to-grow plant and an all-round horticultural crowd pleaser. But if you have a four-pawed pal, you may be wondering this: are sweet peas poisonous to dogs, or can dogs eat sweet pea unharmed (should your pooch inadvertently sneak its way into your flower bed)? 

Here, we explore just that. Read on to find out if sweet peas are poisonous to dogs - and why the innocuous-seeming sweet pea may not be as ‘sweet’ as it first seems…

Are sweet pea plants poisonous to dogs?

Sweet peas (also known as Lathyrus latifolius) are a variety of flowering perennial plant belonging to the Fabaceae family. There are more than one variety of sweet pea, and these plants go by many different names, including "everlasting pea" and "perennial pea".

All are considered poisonous to dogs. They contain amino acids and a toxin called aminopropionitrile, which can cause a number of nasty symptoms - and yes, in some cases, even death. Just a small amount of sweet pea is enough to put your dog in danger, and so it is best to avoid all parts of the plant, especially seeds.

Symptoms

Sweet pea poisoning targets the musculoskeletal system and the central nervous system. Because there are different varieties of the sweet pea plant, symptoms can vary. However, the most commonly reported symptoms include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Diarrhea/vomiting
• Weakness
• Lethargy 
• Pacing 
• Tremors 
• Seizures
• Whining/yelping 
• Death

Diagnosis

Sweet pea poisoning is not to be taken lightly - and it can be fatal. If you suspect your pooch has consumed a sweet pea plant, don't hang around - contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, even if they are not yet experiencing any symptoms. If possible, take a piece of the sweet pea plant in question along with you to the vet, and let your vet know how much you believe your pooch has eaten. 

Treatment

Depending on the type of sweet pea eaten, the amount ingested, and the severity of symptoms, treatment will vary. So, it's important to contact your vet in the very first instance for advice and support relating to your own pooch. 

As general guidance, potential treatment may include administering IV fluids (to flush the toxins and prevent dehydration) and inducing vomiting. A consultation (including an overview of your dog's health history), lab tests and a physical examination will likely be needed to confirm diagnosis. ECGs or X-rays may also be advised, and in some cases, more in-depth examinations (such as a CT scan or ultrasound) may be required. In cases of sweet pea poisoning, it’s also likely your dog will need to be kept in overnight for observation and for their safety. The symptoms of sweet pea poisoning are not specific, so other illnesses need to be ruled out.

Sweet pea poisoning can be fatal, and only your vet will be able to give you the correct advice, diagnosis and treatment. Bottom line? If you believe your pooch may have consumed toxic sweet peas, contact your vet soon as possible.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

So: are sweet peas good for dogs? Absolutely not - and they should be kept out of paws reach at all times! If you’re a pet parent wondering what else your pooch should be avoiding, here are a few more poisonous plants that are toxic to dogs: 

• Wisteria
• Poinsettia
• Ivy
• Snowdrop