Pet emergency
My dog ate Dense-flowered Mullein — what to do
Step by step
- Take dense-flowered mullein away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate dense-flowered mullein — FAQ
Is dense-flowered mullein poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Dense-flowered Mullein (Verbascum densiflorum) as mildly toxic to dogs. Verbascum species are not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the whole plant contains saponins and iridoid glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. The dense woolly hairs may also cause skin irritation on contact. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely hazardous.
How serious is it if my dog ate dense-flowered mullein?
Dense-flowered Mullein is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Verbascum species are not individually listed as toxic by the ASPCA, but the whole plant contains saponins and iridoid glycosides that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets or people. The dense woolly hairs may also cause skin irritation on contact. Treat as mildly toxic as a precaution; not considered severely hazardous. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep dense-flowered mullein well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is dense-flowered mullein toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Dense-flowered Mullein and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide