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Is Cow Parsley toxic to dogs?

Anthriscus sylvestris

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cow parsley 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. Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access.

What to do if your dog ate cow parsley

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

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

Is cow parsley toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is cow parsley toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists cow parsley 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. Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats cow parsley?

Anthriscus sylvestris is not listed individually in the ASPCA database but contains furocoumarins (photoactive compounds) that can cause phototoxic skin reactions on contact in sunlight in both humans and animals. Ingestion can cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and general malaise in cats and dogs. Caution is warranted: the plant closely resembles deadly hemlock (Conium maculatum) and poison hemlock; always confirm identification before allowing pet access. 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 cow parsley.

What should I do if my dog ate cow parsley?

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 cow parsley toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to cow parsley?

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 cow parsley pet-safety