Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Common Mullein toxic to dogs?

Verbascum thapsus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common mullein 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. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation.

What to do if your dog ate common mullein

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

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

Is common mullein toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common mullein toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common mullein 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. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common mullein?

Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant lists. The seeds contain rotenone and iridoid glycosides considered mildly toxic if ingested in quantity. Traditional herbal preparations use the flowers and leaves, but raw plant material can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets and people. Considered low-risk, but ingestion of seeds or large quantities of foliage is not recommended. The dense leaf hairs may cause skin irritation. 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 mullein.

What should I do if my dog ate common mullein?

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 mullein toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to common mullein?

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 mullein pet-safety