Pet safety
Is Greek Oregano toxic to dogs?
Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum
Yes — greek oregano 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 Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten.
What to do if your dog ate greek oregano
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move greek oregano out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of greek oregano to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten greek oregano, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is greek oregano toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is greek oregano toxic to dogs?
Yes — greek oregano 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 Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats greek oregano?
The ASPCA lists Oregano — naming Origanum vulgare hirtum, which is this plant — as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The entry reads “Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses”, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle and mild vomiting and diarrhoea as the reported effect. Verified 2026-07-29. This page previously said the opposite — that Origanum was ASPCA-listed as non-toxic — which is the reverse of what the entry says about this exact subspecies. A chewing pet typically gets an upset stomach rather than a medical emergency, but keep it out of reach and call your vet or the APCC on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK if a large amount is eaten. 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 greek oregano.
What should I do if my dog ate greek oregano?
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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.
Is greek oregano toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Greek Oregano is toxic to cats as well. See the full greek oregano pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to greek oregano?
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.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Full greek oregano pet-safety
- Is oregano toxic to dogs? — the species this cultivar belongs to, checked separately
- Is greek oregano toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is greek oregano toxic to cats?
- My dog ate greek oregano — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete greek oregano care guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant
Writing about plant safety? Embed our free pet-toxicity checker on your site — ASPCA-grounded verdicts for 11,000+ plants, no sign-up.