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Pet safety

Is Anise toxic to dogs?

Pimpinella anisum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists anise as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Pimpinella anisum (true anise) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so a definitive pet-safe rating cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note the name trap: star anise (Illicium) is a different, potentially neurotoxic plant and must not be confused with this herb.

What to do if your dog ate anise

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move anise out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of anise to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten anise, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is anise toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is anise toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists anise as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Pimpinella anisum (true anise) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so a definitive pet-safe rating cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note the name trap: star anise (Illicium) is a different, potentially neurotoxic plant and must not be confused with this herb.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats anise?

Pimpinella anisum (true anise) is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so a definitive pet-safe rating cannot be given; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Note the name trap: star anise (Illicium) is a different, potentially neurotoxic plant and must not be confused with this herb. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to anise.

What should I do if my dog ate anise?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is anise toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Anise is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full anise pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to anise?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full anise pet-safety