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Pet safety

Is Comfrey toxic to dogs?

Symphytum officinale

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists comfrey 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as pet-safe.

What to do if your dog ate comfrey

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

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

Is comfrey toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is comfrey toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists comfrey 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats comfrey?

Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Comfrey contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage in pets and people if ingested; signs include vomiting, lack of appetite and lethargy. Keep grazing animals and curious pets away; do not treat as pet-safe. 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 comfrey.

What should I do if my dog ate comfrey?

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 comfrey toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to comfrey?

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 comfrey pet-safety