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Is Hairy St John's-wort toxic to dogs?

Hypericum hirsutum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — hairy st john's-wort 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 classifies Hypericum (St John's Wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, a naphthodianthrone concentrated in glandular dots on the leaves and flowers. Clinical signs include photosensitization leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on unpigmented skin exposed to sunlight. H. hirsutum shares the same chemical profile as H. perforatum and should be treated as equally toxic.

What to do if your dog ate hairy st john's-wort

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move hairy st john's-wort 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 hairy st john's-wort to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is hairy st john's-wort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hairy st john's-wort toxic to dogs?

Yes — hairy st john's-wort is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies Hypericum (St John's Wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, a naphthodianthrone concentrated in glandular dots on the leaves and flowers. Clinical signs include photosensitization leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on unpigmented skin exposed to sunlight. H. hirsutum shares the same chemical profile as H. perforatum and should be treated as equally toxic.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hairy st john's-wort?

The ASPCA classifies Hypericum (St John's Wort) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, a naphthodianthrone concentrated in glandular dots on the leaves and flowers. Clinical signs include photosensitization leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis, particularly on unpigmented skin exposed to sunlight. H. hirsutum shares the same chemical profile as H. perforatum and should be treated as equally toxic. 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 hairy st john's-wort.

What should I do if my dog ate hairy st john's-wort?

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 hairy st john's-wort toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy St John's-wort is toxic to cats as well. See the full hairy st john's-wort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hairy st john's-wort?

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 hairy st john's-wort pet-safety