Pet safety
Is French Tarragontoxic to cats & dogs?
Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa'
Is french tarragon safe for cats and dogs?
No — french tarragon 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: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats french tarragon?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them. 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 french tarragon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate french tarragon
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move french tarragon 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 french tarragon 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 french tarragon
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)
French Tarragon and pets — frequently asked questions
Is french tarragon toxic to cats?
French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them. 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 french tarragon toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like french tarragon is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats french tarragon?
ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them. 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 french tarragon, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate french tarragon?
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 french tarragon to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to french tarragon?
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 french tarragon care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete french tarragon care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.