Are Impatiens Poisonous to Dogs?

The ASPCA classifies Impatiens (Impatiens spp., also called Buzzy Lizzie, Patient Lucy, Patient Plant, Giant Touch-Me-Not, and Tangerine Impatience) as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with no toxic principles or clinical signs of poisoning listed. There is no chemical toxin of concern. However, 'non-toxic' does not mean 'consequence-free.' Any dog that eats a meaningful amount of plant material can develop mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling, simply because the fibrous foliage and flowers are not part of a normal canine diet. Large mouthfuls of leaves or stems can occasionally cause a temporary GI obstruction or choking, especially in small dogs or aggressive chewers. Soil, fertilizer, slug/snail bait, systemic insecticides, or fungicides applied to garden or potted impatiens can be far more dangerous than the plant itself, so keep treated plants out of reach. Wild touch-me-not / jewelweed (also Impatiens spp.) is likewise not considered poisonous, but the same GI-upset and pesticide caveats apply. If a dog eats only a small amount and stays bright, alert, and eating normally, monitoring at home is usually sufficient; contact a veterinarian if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, persistent, or accompanied by lethargy.

Are impatiens flowers poisonous to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists Impatiens spp. as non-toxic to dogs, with no toxic principles identified. A dog that nibbles the flowers will not be poisoned, though eating a lot of any plant material can cause temporary stomach upset.

My dog ate impatiens leaves from the garden, should I worry?

The plant itself is non-toxic, so poisoning is not expected. Watch for mild, short-lived vomiting or diarrhea from eating foliage. The bigger concern is any pesticide, slug bait, or fertilizer on the plant or soil; if your dog ate a treated plant or shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, call your vet.

Is jewelweed or touch-me-not (also Impatiens) safe for dogs too?

Yes. Wild jewelweed and touch-me-not are also Impatiens species in the family Balsaminaceae and are not classified as toxic to dogs. As with garden impatiens, large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and garden chemicals remain the main hazard.

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Impatience Plant (Impatiens spp.)
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control - Buzzy Lizzie (Impatiens spp.)

Last updated 2026-06-25