Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Dwarf Horsetail toxic to dogs?

Equisetum scirpoides

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf horsetail 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. Equisetum scirpoides, like all Equisetum species, contains thiaminase and the alkaloid equisetine. These can cause thiamine deficiency and neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities, particularly by cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; veterinary guidance treats the entire Equisetum genus as moderately toxic. Keep away from pets that chew plants and supervise accordingly.

What to do if your dog ate dwarf horsetail

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

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

Is dwarf horsetail toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is dwarf horsetail toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dwarf horsetail 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. Equisetum scirpoides, like all Equisetum species, contains thiaminase and the alkaloid equisetine. These can cause thiamine deficiency and neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities, particularly by cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; veterinary guidance treats the entire Equisetum genus as moderately toxic. Keep away from pets that chew plants and supervise accordingly.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats dwarf horsetail?

Equisetum scirpoides, like all Equisetum species, contains thiaminase and the alkaloid equisetine. These can cause thiamine deficiency and neurological symptoms if consumed in large quantities, particularly by cats, dogs, and horses. The ASPCA does not individually list this species; veterinary guidance treats the entire Equisetum genus as moderately toxic. Keep away from pets that chew plants and supervise accordingly. 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 dwarf horsetail.

What should I do if my dog ate dwarf horsetail?

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 dwarf horsetail toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to dwarf horsetail?

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 dwarf horsetail pet-safety