Yes, Bleeding Heart plants (Dicentra spectabilis, now formally reclassified as Lamprocapnos spectabilis) are considered toxic to both cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain isoquinoline alkaloids, which are the primary compounds responsible for their toxicity. These substances can negatively affect the nervous system and have negative inotropic effects, meaning they can weaken the force of heart muscle contractions.
The primary toxins in Bleeding Heart plants are isoquinoline alkaloids. The most significant of these, found in several related plants in the Papaveraceae (poppy) family, are known to cause tremors and seizures. For pets, especially smaller animals, ingesting even a small amount of the plant can lead to a rapid onset of symptoms. The roots and leaves are considered the most potent parts of the plant, but it is safest to consider the entire plant—flowers, stems, leaves, and roots—as dangerous if consumed by a cat or dog.
If a cat or dog chews on or ingests any part of a Bleeding Heart plant, a range of symptoms can appear quite quickly. The most common signs of poisoning to watch for include vomiting and diarrhea, which are the body's initial attempts to expel the toxin. More serious neurological signs can follow, such as lethargy and weakness, trembling, shaking, or seizures. In severe cases, the alkaloids can cause difficulty breathing and an unsteady gait (ataxia). The severity of symptoms is directly related to the amount of plant material consumed relative to the size of the animal.
If you witness your pet eating a Bleeding Heart plant or suspect they have done so, it is a situation that requires immediate action. First, safely remove any plant material from your pet's mouth if you can do so without being bitten. Immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital for advice. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline for expert guidance. Be prepared to identify the plant and describe the amount you believe was ingested, as this information is crucial for the veterinary team.
The most effective strategy is prevention. If you are a pet owner and wish to cultivate Bleeding Hearts, it is highly advisable to plant them in areas completely inaccessible to your animals, such as behind a secure fence or in raised containers that pets cannot reach. For indoor gardeners, these plants should be kept in rooms where pets are never allowed unsupervised. As an alternative, consider planting pet-safe options in areas your pets can access, such as snapdragons, roses, or camellias, to satisfy their curiosity without risk.
