Pet emergency
My dog ate Indian Sage — what to do
Step by step
- Take indian sage 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My dog ate indian sage — FAQ
Is indian sage poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Indian Sage (Salvia indica) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Salvia indica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. It contains volatile essential oils typical of the Salvia genus (camphor, cineole, terpenoids) that can cause mild gastrointestinal signs — nausea, drooling, vomiting — if plant material is ingested by cats or dogs in significant quantities; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution.
How serious is it if my dog ate indian sage?
Indian Sage 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. Salvia indica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic Plant database. It contains volatile essential oils typical of the Salvia genus (camphor, cineole, terpenoids) that can cause mild gastrointestinal signs — nausea, drooling, vomiting — if plant material is ingested by cats or dogs in significant quantities; classified as mildly-toxic by precaution. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep indian sage well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Related
- Is indian sage toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Indian Sage and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant