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Is Common Knapweed toxic to dogs?

Centaurea nigra

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common knapweed 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. Centaurea nigra is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Centaurea species (e.g. Russian knapweed) are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats but toxic to horses. Out of caution, classified as mildly-toxic; ingestion of significant amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Consult a vet if a pet ingests large quantities.

What to do if your dog ate common knapweed

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

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

Is common knapweed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common knapweed toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common knapweed 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. Centaurea nigra is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Centaurea species (e.g. Russian knapweed) are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats but toxic to horses. Out of caution, classified as mildly-toxic; ingestion of significant amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Consult a vet if a pet ingests large quantities.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common knapweed?

Centaurea nigra is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Related Centaurea species (e.g. Russian knapweed) are listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats but toxic to horses. Out of caution, classified as mildly-toxic; ingestion of significant amounts may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Consult a vet if a pet ingests large quantities. 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 common knapweed.

What should I do if my dog ate common knapweed?

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 common knapweed toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to common knapweed?

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 common knapweed pet-safety