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Pet safety

Is Joe-Pye Weed toxic to dogs?

Eutrochium purpureum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — joe-pye weed 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. Joe-Pye weed is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a close relative of Eupatorium it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids capable of causing cumulative liver damage if ingested over time. Treat it as toxic and keep cats, dogs and livestock from grazing it; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Confirm any exposure with a vet.

What to do if your dog ate joe-pye weed

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move joe-pye weed 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 joe-pye weed to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is joe-pye weed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is joe-pye weed toxic to dogs?

Yes — joe-pye weed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Joe-Pye weed is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a close relative of Eupatorium it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids capable of causing cumulative liver damage if ingested over time. Treat it as toxic and keep cats, dogs and livestock from grazing it; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Confirm any exposure with a vet.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats joe-pye weed?

Joe-Pye weed is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but as a close relative of Eupatorium it contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids capable of causing cumulative liver damage if ingested over time. Treat it as toxic and keep cats, dogs and livestock from grazing it; signs of plant ingestion include vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy and weakness. Confirm any exposure with a vet. 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 joe-pye weed.

What should I do if my dog ate joe-pye weed?

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 joe-pye weed toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Joe-Pye Weed is toxic to cats as well. See the full joe-pye weed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to joe-pye weed?

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 joe-pye weed pet-safety