Is african milk tree toxic to dogs?
Euphorbia trigona
Yes. African milk tree is toxic to dogs, graded medium severity by NC State Extension. The agent is diterpene esters in the latex. Call your vet if a dog has eaten any.
- Take any remaining plant material out of their mouth and rinse the mouth with water.
- Call someone. Your own vet first. Otherwise ASPCA Animal Poison Control on (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline on (855) 764-7661 — both charge a fee.
- Take a photo of the plant, and note roughly how much was eaten and when. It is the first thing you will be asked.
- Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
What it does, and why
The agent is diterpene esters in the latex.
The white latex is a potent direct irritant to any membrane it touches.
Severe mouth pain from eating and blistering on skin.
Worth watching for. Eyes are the real emergency here. Latex rubbed into an eye can damage the cornea, and that warrants same-day attention, not watchful waiting.
Reported signs
- skin irritation
- severe eye irritation
- vomiting
- oral irritation
Signs as listed by the ASPCA . Not every animal shows all of them.
What each authority says
- ASPCA
- No record page found under any name tested.
- NC State Extension
- Poison severity: Medium · diterpenoid euphorbol esters
What to keep instead
Species in this database listed non-toxic to cats and dogs, chosen for a similar look or similar care rather than at random.
| Plant | Family | Water | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra haworthiaHaworthiopsis attenuata | Asphodelaceae | 14–24d | 1/5 |
| Burro’s tailSedum morganianum | Crassulaceae | 14–28d | 2/5 |
Swapping the plant is the only measure that reliably works. Height and hanging baskets buy less time than people expect with a determined cat.
The other animal
Looking for cats? See is african milk tree toxic to cats. Full care details are on the african milk tree species entry.
Sources
- North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Euphorbia trigona Checked 2026-09-11.
- Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, Plants of the World Online — Euphorbia trigona Accepted name and family. Checked 2026-09-11.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435 — emergency line, fee applies
Compiled and edited by Tony Valcarcel · 2026-09-11
Tony Valcarcel is the editor and publisher of this database, not a veterinarian.
Severity is reproduced from the authority that published it and is never
originated here. How this is sourced.
This page is a reference, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call rather than read.