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Pet safety

Is giant reed grass toxic to dogs?

Arundo donax

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant reed grass 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains indole alkaloids (notably tryptamine derivatives including dimethyltryptamine and bufotenine) that have been identified in the rhizome and leaves. These compounds can cause neurological effects in mammals if significant quantities are ingested. As a precaution, this plant should be treated as mildly toxic to pets and kept away from animals that habitually chew vegetation.

What to do if your dog ate giant reed grass

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

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

Is giant reed grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is giant reed grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists giant reed grass 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains indole alkaloids (notably tryptamine derivatives including dimethyltryptamine and bufotenine) that have been identified in the rhizome and leaves. These compounds can cause neurological effects in mammals if significant quantities are ingested. As a precaution, this plant should be treated as mildly toxic to pets and kept away from animals that habitually chew vegetation.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats giant reed grass?

Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant contains indole alkaloids (notably tryptamine derivatives including dimethyltryptamine and bufotenine) that have been identified in the rhizome and leaves. These compounds can cause neurological effects in mammals if significant quantities are ingested. As a precaution, this plant should be treated as mildly toxic to pets and kept away from animals that habitually chew vegetation. 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 giant reed grass.

What should I do if my dog ate giant reed grass?

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 giant reed grass toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to giant reed grass?

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 giant reed grass pet-safety