Herbs Poisonous to Cats and Dogs

Herbs poisonous to cats and dogs

Plant and other food and chemical hazards that can be toxic to your dog, cat or other pet, even when exposed to or consumed in small quantities.

Household Pet Poison Dangers to Your Cats and Dogs

You may not know it, but using high heat with your non-stick pans can be toxic to your birds, that aspirin and aspirin-like pain relievers can harm your cat, and onions can be toxic to your dog.

Chocolate, Macadamia nuts and raisins can also be harmful to your dog, and cats can have bad reactions to the use of some aromatherapy oils (concentrated essential oils) like lavender.

Just because something is safe for you as a human, doesn't mean it's safe for your pet.

Herbs Poisonous to Cats and Dogs

What follows are lists of herbs and spices that are toxic (harmful) or  poisonous to dogs and cats. This list isn't exhaustive, but it's a good place to start.

Keep your dog safe From dangerous plants

*Herbs Poisonous (Toxic) to Dogs:

• Aloe
• Bay laurel
• Borage
• Caraway
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Garlic
• Eucalyptus
• Hops
• Lemongrass
• Lovage
• Marijuana
• Marjoram
• Mint
• Mustard Seed
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Pennyroyal
• Purslane
• St. John's Wort
• Sweet Woodruff
• Tarragon
• Thyme - Spanish
• Yarrow

Chives are toxic to cats

*Herbs Poisonous (Toxic) to Cats:

• Allspice
• Aloe
• Bay Laurel
• Borage
• Caraway
• Chamomile
• Chives
• Cloves
• Eucalyptus
• Garlic
• Lavender
• Lemongrass
• Lovage
• Marjoram
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley (Flat-leaf)
• St. John's Wort
• Sweet Woodruff
• Tarragon
• Thyme - Spanish
• Yarrow

Important Note:  These lists are not exhaustive. Consult your veterinarian before changing your pet's diet. Contact your vet immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially poisonous substance.

Guide to Pet Poisoning Emergencies

Every pet owner's worst nightmare is discovering their pet has encountered or ingested something dangerous, toxic or poisonous. In an emergency, acting fast is crucial and knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference.

Stay Calm: A panicked response can cloud your judgment. Take a deep breath and focus on helping your pet.

Identify the Poison: If possible, try to determine what your pet might have ingested. Look for evidence like wrappers, containers, or remnants of chewed plants. Note: Don't waste a lot of. time searching. Make a cursory search and then prioritize contacting a professional who can help.

Contact the Professionals Immediately

Animal Poison Control: In the U.S., call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. They offer 24/7 authoritative advice on pet poisoning emergencies for a fee.

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is also a valuable resource. You can call their pet poison control hotline at 1-888-426-4435. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week -- even on holidays.

Veterinarian: If you have a trusted veterinarian, contact their office and explain the situation. They may offer guidance or recommend bringing your pet in immediately. 

Emergency Vet Care

During off hours and on holidays, many communities have a 24/7 emergency facility for pet care. Keep their number handy.

While Waiting for Help

Do Not:

Induce Vomiting: Forcing vomiting can be dangerous. Professionals will assess if it's safe based on the suspected poison. Wait for guidance before taking this step.

Give Your Pet Food or Liquids: What some poisons, this can make the situation worse.

Use Home Remedies: Old wives' tales like milk or ipecac can be harmful.

What Your Should Do:

Gather Information: Make notes about your pet's symptoms, breed, age, and any pre-existing medical conditions and medications. This helps professionals determine the best course of action.

Stay with and Monitor Your Pet: Keep a close eye on their breathing, behavior, and any signs of discomfort.

Collect Evidence: If safe to do so, preserve any remnants of the suspected poison for analysis and identification.

Time is Critical: The sooner you get your pet professional help, the better their chances of recovery.

Beyond the Emergency Consider:

Pet-Proof Your Home: Store all potential toxins (cleaning products, medications, human food) securely out of reach.

Consider Assembling or Purchasing a Pet First Aid Kit: These kits can contain activated charcoal, which can help absorb some toxins in the stomach. However, consult a veterinarian before using it.

Note These Signs Your Pet Might be Poisoned:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy or weakness
• Pale gums
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Drooling
• Tremors
• Loss of appetite
• Unusual behavior

If you notice these signs,  contact your veterinarian or animal poison control resource (see above).

Keeping cats away from houseplants:

Identify toxic plants: Research common houseplants that are poisonous to cats and//or dogs.

Strategic placement: Put temptation out of reach! Place plants on high shelves, hanging planters, or in closed terrariums.

Natural Deterrents: Cats in particular dislike citrus scents. Try placing orange or lemon peels around the base of plants (replace frequently). 

Purchase Deterrent Spray: There are cat repellent sprays on the market that may help discourage cats from snacking on plants.

Provide alternatives: Offer your cat cat grass or other safe, appealing plants to chew on.

Poisons - Toxic Substances and Your Pets

It can be difficult to know how a pet will react to a potentially toxic substance. The overall health and age of the dog or cat is an important consideration. How much of a plant is actually consumed and digested plays a roll, too, with cats in particular. 

Many dangerous herbs and other plants will cause a burning sensation when chewed, or have an unpleasant taste that will cause a cat to spit it out. This will be uncomfortable, but may not be life threatening because little of the substance has been swallowed. Some cats also like to chew plants and then spontaneously regurgitate them.  (There's something debate about the reason for this behavior.)  Regurgitation will sometimes reduce the risk of a life threatening exposure to a poisonous plant.

Be aware that even herbs considered generally safe can cause digestive upset when eaten in large quantities or have an adverse effect on already ill or older pets.  If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic herb,  contact your veterinarian or animal poison control center immediately.

If your pet is sick, please see a veterinarian. Many vets have flexible payment plans, or there may be community outreach programs that can help you get your pet the care it needs.

*The lists above are not exhaustive. They Include some of the more common herbs. For many less well-known herbs, there is limited information about toxicity specifically to pets. My lists also do not include houseplants or the toxic or poisonous landscape plants your pets may encounter in the garden and elsewhere.

Toxic Plants Database

The following link will give you important additional information about houseplants and garden plants that are toxic to pets: Plants That are Toxic to Your Pets

Special note: I receive traffic on this site from people who are looking for alternative methods for treating their pets for illnesses. I don't pretend to be an expert, but I rely on experts when it comes to the health of the animals in my care. You should too.