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Star of Bethlehem Poisoning in Dogs: Signs and What to Do

PawAI Lab
7 min read

Learn how Star of Bethlehem plants affect dogs, which signs may appear, and the steps a veterinarian may recommend after a dog chews or swallows any part of the plant.

Quick Answer

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum species) is toxic to dogs because it contains cardiac glycosides, compounds that can disrupt heart rhythm and cause gastrointestinal upset. The bulb is the most toxic part, though all parts of the plant may pose a risk. If your dog chewed or swallowed any part of this plant, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison-control service right away, even if no signs have appeared yet.

Before using any tool, contact a veterinary professional if your dog may have eaten Star of Bethlehem.

  • US: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • UK: Animal PoisonLine (01202 509000) or your nearest veterinary emergency clinic
  • Canada: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661)
  • AU: Animal Emergency Centre or your regular vet
  • EU: Contact your nearest veterinary emergency service

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Safety Verdict

Toxic. Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum species, including Ornithogalum umbellatum) contains cardiac glycosides, a class of compounds that affect how the heart muscle contracts and maintains rhythm. These compounds are similar in action to those found in foxglove (Digitalis). All parts of the plant may contain these glycosides, but the bulb is considered the most toxic and is most often involved when dogs dig up the plant.

Because cardiac glycosides can affect the heart even at relatively small exposures, no part of the Star of Bethlehem plant should be considered safe for a dog to chew or swallow. The risk applies to fresh plants, dried material, and bulbs stored for planting.

What Should the Owner Do Now?

  1. Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately. Early assessment can help reduce the risk of heart-related complications.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or poison-control professional directly instructs you to do so. With cardiac glycosides, inducing vomiting may sometimes be advised, but this decision should only be made by a professional.
  3. Collect relevant information (see the section below) so the veterinary team can assess the situation accurately.
  4. Do not give food, milk, salt, charcoal, or any home remedy. These are not proven treatments and may interfere with veterinary care.
  5. Follow the veterinarian's instructions regarding whether to bring your dog in for examination, cardiac monitoring, blood tests, or supportive care such as intravenous fluids.

Even if your dog chewed only a small amount and seems fine, professional consultation is still warranted because cardiac effects may not be immediately obvious.

What Signs May Occur?

Signs of Star of Bethlehem poisoning in dogs may develop within a few hours of ingestion, though the timeline can vary. Not all signs will appear in every dog, and some dogs show no early symptoms even when toxicity is developing.

Early signs may include:

  • Drooling or excessive salivation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Reduced appetite
  • Lethargy or unusual tiredness

Because cardiac glycosides affect the heart, additional signs may appear as toxicity progresses:

  • Irregular, slow, or unusually fast heart rate
  • Weakness or reluctance to move
  • Collapse
  • Changes in breathing

Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) are a particular concern with cardiac glycoside exposure, which is why veterinary monitoring of the heart may be recommended even when a dog initially appears stable.

What Information Should Be Ready?

When you contact a veterinarian or poison-control service, having the following details available can help them assess the situation more efficiently:

  • Dog's details: species, breed, approximate age, and body weight
  • Plant involved: Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum), and whether the dog chewed leaves, stems, flowers, or the bulb
  • Estimated amount: best guess of how much plant material was swallowed
  • Time of ingestion: when the exposure occurred, or the window of time during which it may have happened
  • Current symptoms: any drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or weakness
  • Plant sample: if available, a photo or a piece of the plant to confirm identification
  • Medical history: any pre-existing heart disease, current medications (especially heart medications), or other health conditions

Provide honest estimates rather than precise measurements. The veterinary team can work with approximate information to determine the best course of action.

Differences That May Affect Risk

Several factors can influence how Star of Bethlehem affects an individual dog:

  • Part of the plant: The bulb concentrates the highest levels of cardiac glycosides and is generally considered the most hazardous. Leaves and stems may contain lower amounts but are still unsafe.
  • Body size: Smaller dogs may be at greater risk from a given amount of plant material, though toxicity is possible in dogs of any size.
  • Existing heart conditions: Dogs with pre-existing heart disease or those taking heart medications may be more vulnerable to the effects of cardiac glycosides.
  • Individual variation: Reactions can differ between dogs, and the amount ingested is not always easy to determine.

Because of these uncertainties, any known or suspected ingestion should be treated as potentially serious.

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service immediately if your dog has chewed or swallowed any part of a Star of Bethlehem plant. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Emergency signs that require urgent veterinary attention include:

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Weakness, collapse, or reluctance to stand
  • Irregular breathing
  • Signs of abdominal pain
  • Any change in your dog's responsiveness

Non-urgent follow-up: If the ingestion occurred hours or days ago and your dog appears normal, a veterinary examination is still recommended to check for delayed cardiac effects.

FAQ

Is Star of Bethlehem toxic to dogs?

Yes. Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum species) contains cardiac glycosides that can affect a dog's heart rhythm and cause gastrointestinal upset. The bulb is the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant may pose a risk. Any ingestion should be discussed with a veterinarian.

How is Star of Bethlehem poisoning in dogs treated?

Treatment may include decontamination under veterinary direction, activated charcoal to reduce absorption, intravenous fluids, and medications to manage heart rhythm if arrhythmias develop. Cardiac monitoring and blood tests are often part of the care plan. A veterinarian determines the appropriate approach based on the individual case.

What is the prognosis for a dog that ate Star of Bethlehem?

The prognosis is generally favorable when a dog receives prompt veterinary care before severe signs develop. Outcomes can be more guarded when large amounts of the bulb are eaten or when cardiac arrhythmias have already appeared. Early contact with a veterinarian improves the likelihood of a good outcome.

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Disclaimer

This article and the PawAI Toxicity Checker provide general safety information and cannot determine an individual pet's toxicity risk or replace a veterinarian or animal poison-control service. If exposure may have occurred, contact an appropriate professional promptly, even if your pet appears well.