Pet safety
Is Epazotetoxic to cats & dogs?
Dysphania ambrosioides
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Dysphania ambrosioides
Is epazote safe for cats and dogs?
No — epazote is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats epazote?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to epazote, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate epazote
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move epazote out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of epazote to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to epazote
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Epazote and pets — frequently asked questions
Is epazote toxic to cats?
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is epazote toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like epazote is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats epazote?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Epazote, Dysphania ambrosioides). Toxic principles are essential oils, chiefly ascaridole, plus limonene and p-cymene. Low risk as a culinary spice but high if concentrated oils are ingested; signs include vomiting and diarrhoea, with tremors or convulsions possible in severe oil poisoning. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to epazote, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate epazote?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of epazote to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to epazote?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full epazote care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete epazote care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.