Pet safety
Is Yellow Germandertoxic to cats & dogs?
Teucrium flavum
Mildly toxic
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Teucrium flavum
Is yellow germander safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags yellow germander as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Teucrium flavum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Teucrium species, it contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids, which have been documented as hepatotoxic in humans via herbal preparations of related species. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal irritation or, in larger amounts, potential liver stress. Classified as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion occurs.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats yellow germander?
Teucrium flavum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Teucrium species, it contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids, which have been documented as hepatotoxic in humans via herbal preparations of related species. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal irritation or, in larger amounts, potential liver stress. Classified as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 yellow germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate yellow germander
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move yellow germander 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 yellow germander 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 yellow germander
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)
Yellow Germander and pets — frequently asked questions
Is yellow germander toxic to cats?
Yellow Germander (Teucrium flavum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Teucrium flavum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Teucrium species, it contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids, which have been documented as hepatotoxic in humans via herbal preparations of related species. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal irritation or, in larger amounts, potential liver stress. Classified as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 yellow germander toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Yellow Germander (Teucrium flavum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like yellow germander is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats yellow germander?
Teucrium flavum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Like other Teucrium species, it contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids, which have been documented as hepatotoxic in humans via herbal preparations of related species. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal irritation or, in larger amounts, potential liver stress. Classified as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion occurs. 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 yellow germander, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate yellow germander?
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 yellow germander to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to yellow germander?
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 yellow germander care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete yellow germander care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.