Is Lupin Poisonous to Dogs? A Guide to Lupine Toxicity in Canines

Lupines are colorful flowering plants that grow wild across North America. With their vibrant blooms in shades of blue, yellow, pink, purple and white, lupines add beauty to meadows, prairies and gardens. But are these seemingly harmless plants potentially poisonous to our canine companions? Let’s take a closer look at lupine toxicity in dogs.

What are Lupines?

Lupines belong to the Fabaceae plant family, along with peas, beans, lentils and other legumes There are over 200 species of lupines, with at least 100 native to North America. Common wild lupine species include

• Tailcup lupine
• Velvet lupine
• Silky lupine
• Silvery lupine
• Yellow wild lupine

These herbaceous plants thrive in open fields, woodlands, canyonlands, slopes and meadows. Lupines grow from 1-4 feet tall on erect stems covered in palmate leaves Their flowers bloom on dense racemes in spring and summer The flowers give way to pods filled with small, rounded seeds. Once the seed pods ripen and crack open, they violently expel the seeds out.

Lupines are extremely hardy plants that prefer full sun and well-drained soils. They can adapt to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. As nitrogen fixers, their roots form symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria to enrich nutrients in the earth. Lupines grow both from seed and via thick taproots.

Are Lupines Toxic?

All parts of the lupine plant including seeds, flowers foliage and stems, contain toxic alkaloids that can harm people and animals. The main toxins are lupinine and anagyrine. Yellow lupines contain the highest concentration of alkaloids, while white lupines have the lowest.

These naturally occurring poisons help protect wild lupines from being eaten by herbivores. The highest concentrations are found in young plants, seeds and pods. Many animal species can eat small amounts of lupine safely, but horses, cattle, sheep and goats are especially vulnerable.

Cases of accidental lupine poisoning have also occurred in children who mistakenly ingest seeds or pods. When eaten in excess, lupines can cause dizziness, drowsiness, headaches, breathing difficulties, seizures, paralysis and even death.

Are Lupines Poisonous to Dogs?

Most dogs are not interested in snacking on lupines. However, curiosity, boredom or foraging instincts may lead some dogs to nibble on lupine flowers, stems or pods growing in yards and on walks. Small ingestions are unlikely to cause major issues. But eating a large volume of lupines could potentially make a dog sick.

Signs of lupine poisoning in dogs may include:

• Excessive drooling and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Muscle tremors or seizures
• Change in urine color
• Jaundice
• Difficulty breathing
• Coma

Death is rare but can occur without swift treatment. Pregnant dogs who ingest lupine seeds may birth pups with birth defects.

There is no antidote for lupine poisoning. Treatment focuses on providing supportive care to control vomiting, maintain hydration and prevent seizures. Prompt veterinary attention gives dogs the best chance of a full recovery.

Reducing Lupine Poisoning Risk

Take these steps to prevent lupine poisoning in dogs:

• Learn to identify lupine species that grow in your area. Be especially cautious during spring and summer when lupines actively bloom and produce pods.

• Pick lupines growing in your yard or garden. Avoid planting lupines if you have a dog that eats plants and flowers.

• Keep dogs leashed when walking in areas with wild lupines. Don’t allow them to roam and graze freely.

• Remove and discard old lupine plants after flowering to prevent access to pods and seeds.

• Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog ate any part of a lupine plant. Bring a sample for identification.

• Have your vet induce vomiting if ingestion just occurred within the last 2 hours.

• Purchase pet insurance to reduce costs if emergency vet treatment is ever needed.

With vigilance and common sense, lupine poisoning can be avoided in dogs. While not as toxic as other plants, their alkaloids still pose a danger worth heeding. Take precautions and seek prompt veterinary care if exposure happens. With quick action, most dogs will make a full recovery and avoid any long-term effects from these beautiful wildflowers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do lupines look like?

Lupines are flowering herbaceous plants that reach 1-4 feet tall. Their leaves are palmately compound with 5-28 leaflets in a hand-shaped pattern. Flowers bloom in dense, elongated clusters on erect stems in various colors like purple, pink, white, yellow and blue.

Can a small amount of lupine kill a dog?

It’s unlikely a single flower or leaf will fatally poison a dog. Most cases of lupine poisoning in dogs occur after ingestion of a large volume of seeds, pods or foliage. However, seek veterinary advice even if you suspect only mild exposure.

How much lupine is toxic to dogs?

The amount that is toxic depends on the size and sensitivity of the dog. Alkaloids are most concentrated in seeds and pods. As few as 2-3 pods could cause toxicity in smaller dogs. Larger dogs may show symptoms after eating 5+ pods or a large number of leaves.

What do I do if my dog eats lupine?

Call your vet or pet poison control immediately. Induce vomiting at home if ingestion was recent. Collect any plant parts to bring with you to the vet. Be prepared to provide supportive veterinary care like IV fluids, anti-seizure medication, pain management, etc.

Can lupine kill a cow?

Yes, lupines can be lethal to cows and other livestock like sheep and horses. Cattle are most at risk when lupines make up over 40% of their diet. Just a few days of steady lupine grazing can cause toxicity symptoms and death in cows.

Are all lupine plants poisonous?

All lupine species contain toxic alkaloids in varying amounts. However, certain varieties like the Russell hybrid lupines have been selectively bred to produce low-alkaloid garden flowers and seeds. Only wild lupines growing in uncultivated areas pose a significant risk.

Is lupine related to peanuts?

No, lupines and peanuts are not closely related. Peanuts are not even true nuts, but rather legumes related to beans and peas. In contrast, lupines belong to a different tribe in the legume family. The two plants have different physical characteristics and constituents.

Can dogs eat ornamental lupine?

No, dogs should avoid eating any lupine plants whether wild or ornamental varieties. Even showy garden lupines contain some alkaloids that could cause gastric distress, diarrhea or sickness if enough foliage or seeds are consumed.

Are sweet lupines poisonous?

Yes, even sweet lupines touted as low-alkaloid garden plants can still have adverse effects. The toxins provide important benefits to the plants and can’t be fully bred out. Dogs may experience mild to moderate symptoms from eating sweet lupine flowers or seeds.