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Pet safety

Is Borage toxic to dogs?

Borago officinalis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — borage 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Borage, Borago officinalis). Toxic principles are tannins and mucilage; reported clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and dermatitis. Borage leaves also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids of liver concern, so keep pets from grazing it.

What to do if your dog ate borage

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

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

Is borage toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is borage toxic to dogs?

Yes — borage is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Borage, Borago officinalis). Toxic principles are tannins and mucilage; reported clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and dermatitis. Borage leaves also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids of liver concern, so keep pets from grazing it.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats borage?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Borage, Borago officinalis). Toxic principles are tannins and mucilage; reported clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhoea, and dermatitis. Borage leaves also contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids of liver concern, so keep pets from grazing it. 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 borage.

What should I do if my dog ate borage?

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 borage toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to borage?

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 borage pet-safety