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If your dog ate white sage brush — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

White Sage Brush is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate White Sage Brush — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take white sage brush 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My dog ate white sage brush — FAQ

Is white sage brush poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists White Sage Brush (Artemisia ludoviciana) as mildly toxic to dogs. Artemisia ludoviciana is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but the Artemisia genus contains thujone (a potentially neurotoxic monoterpene ketone) and sesquiterpene lactones that can cause gastrointestinal upset, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions. In large amounts, thujone-containing plants have caused neurological effects in livestock. Treat as mildly toxic to pets; avoid allowing sustained grazing. Also a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive people.

How serious is it if my dog ate white sage brush?

White Sage Brush 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. Artemisia ludoviciana is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic, but the Artemisia genus contains thujone (a potentially neurotoxic monoterpene ketone) and sesquiterpene lactones that can cause gastrointestinal upset, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions. In large amounts, thujone-containing plants have caused neurological effects in livestock. Treat as mildly toxic to pets; avoid allowing sustained grazing. Also a known cause of allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive people. 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 white sage brush well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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