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Pet safety

Is Blue Oat Grass toxic to dogs?

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue oat grass 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. Helictotrichon sempervirens is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with other ornamental grasses, ingested foliage can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fibrous blades may irritate the digestive tract.

What to do if your dog ate blue oat grass

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

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

Is blue oat grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is blue oat grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue oat grass 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. Helictotrichon sempervirens is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with other ornamental grasses, ingested foliage can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fibrous blades may irritate the digestive tract.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats blue oat grass?

Helictotrichon sempervirens is not individually listed by the ASPCA on either its toxic or non-toxic plant lists, and no specific toxic principle is documented. Treat with caution and verify with a vet: as with other ornamental grasses, ingested foliage can cause mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset, and fibrous blades may irritate the digestive tract. 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 oat grass.

What should I do if my dog ate blue oat grass?

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 oat grass toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to blue oat grass?

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 oat grass pet-safety