Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Blue Cohosh toxic to dogs?

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Toxic to dogs

Yes — blue cohosh is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Caulophyllum thalictroides are toxic, particularly the roots and seeds. The plant contains the alkaloid methylcytisine (a nicotinic agonist), the saponin caulosaponin, and glycosides. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, and in high doses potentially more serious cardiac effects. The blue berry-like seeds are particularly hazardous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs and cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; classified as toxic by university Extension sources (NCSU, UVM) and veterinary plant-poison references. Wear gloves when handling roots, and prevent children and pets from accessing the fruit.

What to do if your dog ate blue cohosh

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move blue cohosh 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 blue cohosh to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is blue cohosh toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is blue cohosh toxic to dogs?

Yes — blue cohosh is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Caulophyllum thalictroides are toxic, particularly the roots and seeds. The plant contains the alkaloid methylcytisine (a nicotinic agonist), the saponin caulosaponin, and glycosides. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, and in high doses potentially more serious cardiac effects. The blue berry-like seeds are particularly hazardous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs and cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; classified as toxic by university Extension sources (NCSU, UVM) and veterinary plant-poison references. Wear gloves when handling roots, and prevent children and pets from accessing the fruit.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats blue cohosh?

All parts of Caulophyllum thalictroides are toxic, particularly the roots and seeds. The plant contains the alkaloid methylcytisine (a nicotinic agonist), the saponin caulosaponin, and glycosides. Ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, elevated heart rate, and in high doses potentially more serious cardiac effects. The blue berry-like seeds are particularly hazardous to children. Contact with the plant can also cause contact dermatitis. Toxic to dogs and cats. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; classified as toxic by university Extension sources (NCSU, UVM) and veterinary plant-poison references. Wear gloves when handling roots, and prevent children and pets from accessing the fruit. 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 blue cohosh.

What should I do if my dog ate blue cohosh?

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 blue cohosh toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blue Cohosh is toxic to cats as well. See the full blue cohosh pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to blue cohosh?

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 blue cohosh pet-safety