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Is Common Wormwood toxic to dogs?

Artemisia absinthium

Toxic to dogs

Yes — common wormwood 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. Artemisia absinthium contains the monoterpene thujone and the bitter glycoside absinthin. The North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox lists it as a problem for both cats and dogs, and veterinary toxicology sources note that ingestion of significant quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, neurological signs including tremors or seizures, and liver damage. Thujone acts as a GABA-A receptor antagonist. Keep pets away from this plant.

What to do if your dog ate common wormwood

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

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

Is common wormwood toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common wormwood toxic to dogs?

Yes — common wormwood is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Artemisia absinthium contains the monoterpene thujone and the bitter glycoside absinthin. The North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox lists it as a problem for both cats and dogs, and veterinary toxicology sources note that ingestion of significant quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, neurological signs including tremors or seizures, and liver damage. Thujone acts as a GABA-A receptor antagonist. Keep pets away from this plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common wormwood?

Artemisia absinthium contains the monoterpene thujone and the bitter glycoside absinthin. The North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox lists it as a problem for both cats and dogs, and veterinary toxicology sources note that ingestion of significant quantities can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, neurological signs including tremors or seizures, and liver damage. Thujone acts as a GABA-A receptor antagonist. Keep pets away from this plant. 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 wormwood.

What should I do if my dog ate common wormwood?

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 wormwood toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to common wormwood?

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 wormwood pet-safety