Morning Glory Seed Toxicity in Dogs

Morning glory (Ipomoea tricolor and related species) is a popular garden vine with beautiful flowers. The seeds, however, contain ergine (d-lysergic acid amide, LSA) — a psychoactive compound similar to LSD. Dogs that eat morning glory seeds may show neurological symptoms including disorientation, agitation, and incoordination.

✓ Vet ReviewedReviewed by Dr. Mara Voss, DVM · Updated 2026

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⚡ Immediate Actions

1Call your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435
2Keep your dog in a calm, quiet, safe environment away from stairs and hazards
3Do not restrain forcefully if the dog is disoriented — this can increase agitation
4Note how many seeds were eaten if possible
5Bring a plant sample or photo for identification

Symptoms & Timeline

Neurological (30 min–2 hours)

Ergine (d-lysergic acid amide) binds to serotonin 5-HT2A receptors in the cortex and thalamus, disrupting normal sensory filtering and generating abnormal perceptual processing. The resulting disorientation, apparent hallucinations, and behavioral changes reflect thalamocortical circuit disruption similar to the psychedelic mechanism of LSD.

Disorientation and confusion
Agitation or listlessness
Dilated pupils
Incoordination
Head pressing
Hallucination-like behavior

Physical

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Increased heart rate
Weakness

How Morning Glory Seeds (Ipomoea species) Affects Dogs

Morning glory seeds contain ergine (d-lysergic acid amide, LSA) and related ergot alkaloids, which interact with serotonin receptors (5-HT2A) in the brain, causing perceptual disturbances and neurological effects. The seeds also contain small amounts of other alkaloids. Effects are dose-dependent. Note: commercially sold morning glory seeds are sometimes coated with fungicides, adding additional toxicity.

What Your Vet Will Do at the Clinic

Morning glory seed treatment prioritizes reducing the peak ergine concentration in the system and managing the perceptual disturbance safely. Vomiting is induced within 2 hours if the dog is not yet showing neurological signs — once significant CNS effects begin, the risk of aspiration during emesis outweighs the benefit of further decontamination. Activated charcoal binds remaining ergine alkaloids in the gut. The most important environmental measure is placing the dog in a calm, quiet, dimly lit space — sensory stimulation intensifies the disorientation and agitation from serotonin receptor activation. Diazepam is used if seizures or severe agitation develop. Most dogs recover fully within 4–8 hours as ergine is metabolized, without lasting neurological effects.

Step-by-step protocol:

1Induced vomiting within 2 hours of ingestion if dog is not yet showing neurological signs
2Activated charcoal to reduce absorption of ergine alkaloids
3Calm, quiet, low-stimulation environment to minimize agitation during effects
4IV fluids if dehydrated from vomiting
5Anti-seizure medication (diazepam) if seizures or severe neurological signs develop
6Monitoring until fully ambulatory and oriented — typically 4–8 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Are morning glory flowers and leaves also toxic?

The seeds are the most toxic part. Flowers and leaves can cause mild GI upset but are much less potent than the seeds. If your dog ate leaves or flowers, monitor for vomiting and diarrhea and call your vet if concerned.

How long do symptoms last?

Neurological symptoms from morning glory seeds typically last 2–8 hours and resolve on their own in mild cases. Severe cases may require sedation. Most dogs recover fully with supportive care.

My dog seems "drunk" or confused after being in the garden. What should I do?

Sudden neurological changes in a dog that was in the garden are always a reason to call your vet immediately. Multiple plants — including morning glory — can cause disorientation. Report exactly what plants are in your yard.

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