Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Kitten Tails toxic to dogs?

Besseya bullii

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kitten tails 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. Besseya bullii (Plantaginaceae) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and its phytochemical profile has not been widely studied. Members of this family can contain iridoid glycosides. Given the lack of confirmed safety data, it is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Contact a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What to do if your dog ate kitten tails

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

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

Is kitten tails toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is kitten tails toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists kitten tails 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. Besseya bullii (Plantaginaceae) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and its phytochemical profile has not been widely studied. Members of this family can contain iridoid glycosides. Given the lack of confirmed safety data, it is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Contact a vet if a pet ingests this plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats kitten tails?

Besseya bullii (Plantaginaceae) is not listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database, and its phytochemical profile has not been widely studied. Members of this family can contain iridoid glycosides. Given the lack of confirmed safety data, it is classified as mildly toxic as a precaution. Contact a vet if a pet ingests this plant. 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 kitten tails.

What should I do if my dog ate kitten tails?

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 kitten tails toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Kitten Tails is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full kitten tails pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to kitten tails?

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 kitten tails pet-safety