Although the name "sweet pea" (Lathyrus latifolius and L. odoratus) sounds innocuous and lovely as can be, the family Fabaceae plants are actually toxic to various animals, including dogs. We're not talking the peas you eat at home; "sweet pea" is a flowering perennial vining legume plant. Sweet pea is more than one plant species; variants go by many names. Keep these plants far away from your pets. Dogs are curious creatures who don't hesitate to put their mouths on strange new things.
Sweet Pea Toxicity
Sweet pea plants have a component known as beta-aminopropionitrile, a compound. This exact component is the specific danger element in sweet peas for dogs. If your pooch for any reason takes in any part of one of these plants, it could trigger serious issues with both the musculoskeletal system and the brain.
Symptoms
If you have any worries that your cutie might have munched on a sweet pea plant, seek urgent veterinary assistance without hesitation. If your doggie is indeed experiencing sweet pea poisoning, you might pick up on signs such as fatigue, feebleness, seizures, uncontrollable shivering, and walking back and forth without a clear or obvious goal. In extreme scenarios, sweet pea poisoning in canines can sometimes lead to fatal results. If you think your dog might have eaten any element of a sweet pea plant, regardless of whether you notice any signs, get him into a veterinarian's care, pronto.
Intensity
The intensity of the symptoms a pet experiences -- along with the severity of the toxicity in general -- generally depends on just how much he consumed. Larger portions of sweet pea plants frequently yield more serious results. Note, however, that even minimal intake can potentially be harmful. Never assume your dog ate too little of the plant for it to be hazardous. Always play it safe when it comes to your precious pooch's well-being and health.
A Sweet Pea by Many Other Names
Sweet pea isn't the only commonly used moniker for the Lathyrus latifolius sweet pea plant. If you ever spot a plant that is labeled as "everlasting pea" or "perennial pea," beware. Both of these plants are toxic members of family Fabaceae, and they are equally hazardous to dogs, horses and cats. The bottom line is to never allow any of your pets near any plants unless you're 100 percent of their safety. If your pets eat something you don't recognize as safe, your veterinarian is always only a phone call away.
FAQs
Clinical Signs: Weakness, lethargy, pacing, head pressing, tremors, seizures and possibly death.
How toxic are sweet peas to dogs? ›
Here's the caveat: Sweet peas — the flowering, nonedible plant that isn't a vegetable — should always be avoided. Sweet peas contain a toxin called aminopropionitrile, which can cause weakness, lethargy, seizures and even death. Even a single sweet pea contains enough aminopropionitrile to make your dog seriously ill.
What are the symptoms of sweet pea poisoning? ›
Symptoms. Accidental ingestion does not result in poisoning. However eating large quantities of seed for weeks to months can result in a paralytic syndrome. Symptoms can include paralysis, slow and weak pulse, breathing difficulty and convulsions.
What toxins are in sweet pea? ›
Osteolathyrism, sometimes referred to as odoratism, is a form of the disease Lathyrism. The disease results from the ingestion of Lathyrus odoratus seeds (sweet peas). The toxin found in the sweet peas is (beta-aminopropionitrile), which affects the linking of collagen, a protein of connective tissues.
Can peas make a dog sick? ›
Yes, peas are generally safe for dogs to eat, even raw. However, some dogs are allergic to peas or may not digest them well. On the whole, most dogs will be healthy if peas and extras are no more than 10% of daily food intake. To safely introduce dogs to peas, ensure you start small and increase gradually.
What if my dog ate a sweet pea pod? ›
Vomiting and diarrhea are the first red flags of Sweet Pea poisoning. If your dog is suddenly more slug than pup, lethargy is a serious sign. Neurological symptoms are particularly alarming. Watch for seizures or tremors, which can indicate a severe reaction.
What happened to sweet pea on the Puppy Bowl? ›
Sweetpea, the tiniest Puppy Bowl competitor, passed away due to a deformed kidney. Jennifer Siegel of Bosley Place ensured she had a good life despite hydrocephalus and a congenital heart defect. Sweetpea's autopsy revealed malformed kidneys unable to process protein.
What animals eat sweet peas? ›
Even before they sprout, sweet peas can become the victim of hungry rodents that dig up the seeds. Protective netting or wire baskets can help keep pests away until the seedlings emerge. Pests like aphids, leaf miners, spider mites, and thrips can attack sweet peas. Slugs and snails also pose a risk to sweet peas.
What is the difference between a pea and a sweet pea? ›
Even though the sweet pea pods are poisonous, there's no problem distinguishing between them. The flower pods are shorter, skinnier, furry, and grey-green. The edible pod pea pods are longer, broader, more filled-out, shiny-surfaced, and bright green.
Can sweet peas be eaten raw? ›
Garden peas are sometimes called sweet peas or English peas. The pods are firm and rounded, but you must shell them, remove the peas inside, then discard the pods before eating. The peas are sweet and may be eaten raw or cooked; these are the peas you typically see canned or in the freezer section.
Yes, dogs can eat peas! Most varieties of green peas are fine including snow peas, sugar snap peas, garden and English peas.
Do peas cause DCM in dogs? ›
Some research suggests that peas may be most associated with this form of DCM, but this may just reflect the fact that peas are used more commonly in dog foods compared to other pulses.
Are sweet potatoes and peas bad for dogs? ›
Hundreds of dogs from many different breeds have been found to be affected by a life-threatening heart condition due to eating specific dog foods, in particular grain-free diets that are high in legumes (peas, lentils, chickpeas) or potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Do peas cause heart problems in dogs? ›
If the diet contains pulses (for example, peas, pea protein, lentils, chickpeas, etc) in the top ten ingredients (or multiple pulses anywhere in the ingredient list), it might put some dogs at risk for heart problems.
Is sweet pea shrub petite butterfly toxic to dogs? ›
Sweet Pea Shrub is Toxic To Dogs 🐶 Safeguard your pup 🐕 from Sweet Pea Shrub's toxins with these vital prevention tips. 🐶 Sweet Pea Shrub contains harmful toxins like aminopropionitrile for dogs. 🚨 Watch for vomiting, seizures, tremors; seek immediate vet care if observed.
