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Is Japanese Blood Grass toxic to dogs?

Imperata cylindrica 'Rubra'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese blood 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. Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in pets.

What to do if your dog ate japanese blood grass

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

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

Is japanese blood grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is japanese blood grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists japanese blood 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. Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats japanese blood grass?

Imperata cylindrica is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so a confirmed pet-safe status cannot be asserted. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; ingesting the coarse blades may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, and chewing the rhizomes is best discouraged in pets. 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 japanese blood grass.

What should I do if my dog ate japanese blood 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 japanese blood grass toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to japanese blood 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 japanese blood grass pet-safety