Is Great Mullein toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists great mullein 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. Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, the dense, stiff hairs on leaves and stems can cause contact irritation or mechanical irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract in cats and dogs if ingested in quantity, so 'mildly-toxic' is the prudent classification.

Verbascum thapsus is not listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database. However, the dense, stiff hairs on leaves and stems can cause contact irritation or mechanical irritation of the mouth and gastrointestinal tract in cats and dogs if ingested in quantity, so 'mildly-toxic' is the prudent classification. 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 great mullein.

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.

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

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.