§ Toxic plants · Caryophyllaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is sweet-william toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Sweet-william (Dianthus barbatus) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting and skin irritation. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Caryophyllaceae plants toxic to pets
Sweet-william belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about sweet-william and pets
Is sweet-william toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists sweet-william as toxic to cats.
Is sweet-william toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists sweet-william as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats sweet-william?
Signs include vomiting and skin irritation. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is sweet-william called?
Sweet-william is also sold or known as brotero's pink.