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Pet safety

Is Dropwort toxic to dogs?

Filipendula vulgaris

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dropwort 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. Filipendula vulgaris is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so confirmed non-toxic status cannot be stated. The plant contains salicylate compounds (including methyl salicylate) in its tissues; cats in particular have limited ability to metabolise salicylates, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large ingested quantities, systemic effects. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What to do if your dog ate dropwort

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

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

Is dropwort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is dropwort toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dropwort 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. Filipendula vulgaris is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so confirmed non-toxic status cannot be stated. The plant contains salicylate compounds (including methyl salicylate) in its tissues; cats in particular have limited ability to metabolise salicylates, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large ingested quantities, systemic effects. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats dropwort?

Filipendula vulgaris is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, so confirmed non-toxic status cannot be stated. The plant contains salicylate compounds (including methyl salicylate) in its tissues; cats in particular have limited ability to metabolise salicylates, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large ingested quantities, systemic effects. Classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution. 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 dropwort.

What should I do if my dog ate dropwort?

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 dropwort toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to dropwort?

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 dropwort pet-safety