Is Lantana Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
All parts of the lantana plant are considered toxic to cats and dogs. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) includes Lantana camara on its list of plants that are harmful to pets. Ingesting this plant can lead to serious health issues for animals.
Lantana is a popular outdoor plant known for its colorful flowers. It is also known by other names, including Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, and Red Sage. Because it is so common in landscaping, pet owners should learn to identify it. Bringing this plant into a home or garden creates a potential risk for pets.
Lantana: what the ASPCA database lists
| ASPCA entry | Lantana |
|---|---|
| Other common names | Shrub Verbena, Yellow Sage, Red Sage |
| Scientific name | Lantana camara |
| Family | Verbenaceae |
| Toxic to | Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses |
| Non-toxic to | None listed |
| Toxic principles | Pentacyclic triterpenoids |
| Clinical signs listed | Vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, weakness. Liver failure – more common in livestock. |
Toxicity and Clinical Signs
The toxic principles in lantana are identified as pentacyclic triterpenoids. If a pet eats lantana, owners might observe several signs of illness. For cats and dogs, the clinical signs associated with lantana poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Labored breathing
- Weakness
The ASPCA also notes that liver failure is a possible outcome of ingestion, though this is more commonly seen in livestock. The official toxicity rating is clear for common household pets and certain large animals. Lantana is rated as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
What Lantana Toxicity Means for Pets
If you have a lantana plant in your garden or a pot on your patio, any part of it can be harmful if your cat or dog chews on or eats it. A pet’s natural curiosity can lead to accidental ingestion. For example, a dog might chew on a fallen branch, or a cat might nibble on a leaf. Even a small amount could be enough to cause a reaction, and the severity of the symptoms can depend on how much the animal eats. Because of this risk, it is safest to assume that any interaction between your pet and this plant is a cause for concern.
How to Keep Pets Safe Around This Plant
The most effective way to prevent lantana poisoning is to keep the plant out of your pet’s reach. For many households, this means not having the plant at all. If you have lantana in your yard, consider installing a fence or barrier so your dog cannot access it. For cats that go outdoors, supervision is important, although it can be difficult to prevent them from exploring neighboring yards where the plant might grow.
When choosing plants for your home, it is best to select non-toxic varieties. Always supervise pets, especially puppies and kittens, who are often more likely to chew on new things. Read plant labels carefully before buying and be aware of what is growing in your garden and neighborhood. If you are introducing a new plant to your home, watch your pet’s behavior closely for any signs of chewing or illness.
When to call your vet
If your pet chewed or ate part of this plant, call your veterinarian or an animal poison control line. Note which plant and which part, how much may be gone and when, and take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
If you suspect your cat or dog has eaten any part of a lantana plant, you should seek professional advice immediately. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Please be aware that a consultation fee may apply. It is helpful to note the time of ingestion and how much you think your pet consumed. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before contacting a professional.
Emergency signs: go now
- Collapse, fainting or severe weakness
- Seizures, tremors or trouble standing
- Trouble breathing or blue, gray or very pale gums
- Repeated vomiting or retching, or a swollen, painful belly
- Any known contact with a substance listed as toxic, even before signs appear
Book an appointment soon
- Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts or keeps coming back
- Not eating or drinking, or drinking much more than usual
- Drooling, pawing at the mouth or a swollen face
- Lethargy, hiding or acting unlike themselves
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Your own vet or nearest emergency clinic is always a good first call.
Sources
Last checked October 21, 2026. Listings and guidance can change; your veterinarian knows your pet’s health history.