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Is Creeping Willow toxic to dogs?

Salix repens

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping willow 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. Salix species contain salicin (a salicylate glycoside), which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if eaten in quantity; the ASPCA lists the related Salix purpurea as non-toxic, but the salicylate content across the genus warrants caution. If in doubt, keep pets away from willow foliage and catkins.

What to do if your dog ate creeping willow

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

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

Is creeping willow toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is creeping willow toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists creeping willow 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. Salix species contain salicin (a salicylate glycoside), which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if eaten in quantity; the ASPCA lists the related Salix purpurea as non-toxic, but the salicylate content across the genus warrants caution. If in doubt, keep pets away from willow foliage and catkins.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats creeping willow?

Salix species contain salicin (a salicylate glycoside), which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if eaten in quantity; the ASPCA lists the related Salix purpurea as non-toxic, but the salicylate content across the genus warrants caution. If in doubt, keep pets away from willow foliage and catkins. 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 creeping willow.

What should I do if my dog ate creeping willow?

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 creeping willow toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to creeping willow?

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 creeping willow pet-safety