A Hosta Nearly Killed a Chihuahua. His Owner Is On a Mission to Ensure No Other Pet Suffers the Same Fate

A Chihuahua named Cooper nearly died after eating a hosta in his garden. His owner is now pushing for change so other pet parents don’t face the same nightmare.

Cooper was about 18 months old when the incident happened in May. His owner, 25-year-old Caitlin Roberts of Tamworth, Staffordshire, told the BBC that the dog had gotten into a hosta plant, one of the most common and popular shade plants found in gardens across the UK.

Most people wouldn’t think twice about having hostas in their yard. But hostas, also known as plantain lilies or funkia, are among many plants toxic to dogs. They contain a chemical called saponins, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to both cats and dogs.

Saponins cause burning in the mouth, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea and cough, according to a 2023 scientific review published in the journal Toxins. Fatigue and difficulty breathing may also occur.

The toxins didn’t show up in Cooper’s blood tests, which made it difficult for veterinarians to determine what was wrong. According to Roberts, the plant toxins temporarily stopped Cooper’s intestines from working normally. Undigested food accumulated and created a blockage.

Cooper spent several days in pain before vets identified the cause. He eventually needed emergency surgery on his digestive system.

The ordeal has cost the family more than £6,000 (about $8,000) in veterinary bills, medicine and specially formulated food. Cooper is now recovering at home but will deal with lasting health complications and require a specially adapted diet for life.

“I think we should be a bit more aware of what we have in the garden and what we have in the kitchen for our pets,” Gabriel Wax, the veterinarian who treated Cooper, told the BBC.

The push for warning labels on toxic plants for dogs

Cooper’s story highlights a broader issue: there are no requirements for retailers to warn buyers about plants hazardous to dogs or cats. Roberts wants to change that.

She started a Change.org petition on May 26 asking the UK government to require toxicity warnings on plants sold by shops and garden centers. The petition calls for labels that clearly state whether a plant is poisonous to dogs or cats. She also wants labels to include the telephone number for Animal PoisonLine.

More than 580 people have signed the petition as of July 14.

Gurdip Singh, CEO of labelling software company Kallik, called the idea “fabulous” in an interview with the BBC. He said the change is feasible and that companies already have systems in place to work with strict labelling regulations.

Not everyone is as optimistic. In an online Q&A, personal injury attorney Stephen Hoffman was asked why there aren’t labels warning consumers about plants hazardous to dogs and cats. His response was blunt: “Why not? Probably because cat owners (I’m one), like dog owners, are expected to know what things are toxic to their pets. And also because the government doesn’t require the label.”

Whether or not labelling laws change, the responsibility still falls on pet owners to make their homes and gardens safe. Keeping a dog-friendly plants list on hand is a good starting point. Knowing which species to avoid is just as important.

The ASPCA’s list of plants poisonous to dogs includes 416 entries and covers cats as well. If you’re unsure whether something in your yard or home could be harmful, check the list before letting your pet near it.

Cooper’s case is a reminder that toxic plants for dogs aren’t rare or exotic. They’re in gardens and homes everywhere. A quick search before your next trip to the garden center could save a life. You can learn more about plants that are toxic to pets here.