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If your dog ate purple-top germander — 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.

Purple-Top Germander is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Purple-Top Germander — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take purple-top germander 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 purple-top germander — FAQ

Is purple-top germander poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Purple-Top Germander (Teucrium hircanicum) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Teucrium hircanicum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. It belongs to the Teucrium genus, members of which contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids associated with hepatotoxicity in humans following prolonged ingestion of herbal preparations. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal upset or, in quantity, potential liver irritation. Classified as mildly toxic as a precaution; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

How serious is it if my dog ate purple-top germander?

Purple-Top Germander 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. Teucrium hircanicum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. It belongs to the Teucrium genus, members of which contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids associated with hepatotoxicity in humans following prolonged ingestion of herbal preparations. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal upset or, in quantity, potential liver irritation. Classified as mildly toxic as a precaution; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 purple-top germander 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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