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Pet safety

Is French Tarragon toxic to dogs?

Artemisia dracunculus 'Sativa'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — french tarragon 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them.

What to do if your dog ate french tarragon

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

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

Is french tarragon toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is french tarragon toxic to dogs?

Yes — french tarragon is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats french tarragon?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (entry: Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus). The toxic principle is essential oils; signs are generally mild, chiefly vomiting and diarrhoea. The concentrated oil is more problematic, especially for cats, so keep pets from grazing the plant and avoid tarragon essential oil around them. 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 tarragon.

What should I do if my dog ate french tarragon?

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 tarragon toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to french tarragon?

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 tarragon pet-safety