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Is French Sorrel toxic to dogs?

Rumex scutatus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — french sorrel 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. The ASPCA lists Sorrel and Dock (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; this covers French sorrel. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with signs of salivation and tremors and rare kidney effects. Small nibbles usually cause only stomach upset, but keep pets from grazing it.

What to do if your dog ate french sorrel

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

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

Is french sorrel toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is french sorrel toxic to dogs?

Yes — french sorrel is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Sorrel and Dock (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; this covers French sorrel. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with signs of salivation and tremors and rare kidney effects. Small nibbles usually cause only stomach upset, but keep pets from grazing it.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats french sorrel?

The ASPCA lists Sorrel and Dock (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; this covers French sorrel. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, with signs of salivation and tremors and rare kidney effects. Small nibbles usually cause only stomach upset, but keep pets from grazing it. 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 french sorrel.

What should I do if my dog ate french sorrel?

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 french sorrel toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: French Sorrel is toxic to cats as well. See the full french sorrel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to french sorrel?

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 french sorrel pet-safety