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If your dog ate needle grass — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Needle Grass is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Needle Grass — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take needle grass away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 needle grass — FAQ

Is needle grass poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Needle Grass (Stipa capillata) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Stipa capillata is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The species is not known to contain systemic toxic compounds, but the extremely sharp, barbed awns (needles) pose a significant physical hazard to dogs and cats: the sharp awns can penetrate skin, ears, eyes, nostrils, and paws, and migrate into tissue causing injury, pain, and infection. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure given the physical injury risk and absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; verify with a veterinarian if ingestion or physical injury occurs.

How serious is it if my dog ate needle grass?

Needle Grass 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. Stipa capillata is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. The species is not known to contain systemic toxic compounds, but the extremely sharp, barbed awns (needles) pose a significant physical hazard to dogs and cats: the sharp awns can penetrate skin, ears, eyes, nostrils, and paws, and migrate into tissue causing injury, pain, and infection. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precautionary measure given the physical injury risk and absence of confirmed ASPCA non-toxic listing; verify with a veterinarian if ingestion or physical injury occurs. 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 needle grass 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.

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