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Is Chamomile toxic to dogs?

Matricaria chamomilla

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chamomile 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. ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not.

What to do if your dog ate chamomile

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

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

Is chamomile toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is chamomile toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chamomile 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. ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats chamomile?

ASPCA lists chamomile (Anthemis nobilis and related) as toxic to cats and dogs in quantity, with allergic dermatitis and GI upset reported. Tea-bag amounts are very low risk; garden bingeing is not. 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 chamomile.

What should I do if my dog ate chamomile?

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 chamomile toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to chamomile?

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 chamomile pet-safety