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Is Signet Marigold 'Lemon Gem' toxic to dogs?

Tagetes tenuifolia 'Lemon Gem'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists signet marigold 'lemon gem' 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. Signet marigold is a true marigold (Tagetes, family Compositae), not the ASPCA-listed non-toxic 'Garden/Pot Marigold' (Calendula). Tagetes foliage contains phototoxic thiophenes and aromatic oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation in cats and dogs; treat as mildly toxic. Petals are edible for people but keep pets from grazing the plant.

What to do if your dog ate signet marigold 'lemon gem'

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move signet marigold 'lemon gem' 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 signet marigold 'lemon gem' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is signet marigold 'lemon gem' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is signet marigold 'lemon gem' toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists signet marigold 'lemon gem' 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. Signet marigold is a true marigold (Tagetes, family Compositae), not the ASPCA-listed non-toxic 'Garden/Pot Marigold' (Calendula). Tagetes foliage contains phototoxic thiophenes and aromatic oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation in cats and dogs; treat as mildly toxic. Petals are edible for people but keep pets from grazing the plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats signet marigold 'lemon gem'?

Signet marigold is a true marigold (Tagetes, family Compositae), not the ASPCA-listed non-toxic 'Garden/Pot Marigold' (Calendula). Tagetes foliage contains phototoxic thiophenes and aromatic oils that can cause mild gastrointestinal upset and skin/mouth irritation in cats and dogs; treat as mildly toxic. Petals are edible for people but keep pets from grazing the 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 signet marigold 'lemon gem'.

What should I do if my dog ate signet marigold 'lemon gem'?

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 signet marigold 'lemon gem' toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Signet Marigold 'Lemon Gem' is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full signet marigold 'lemon gem' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to signet marigold 'lemon gem'?

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 signet marigold 'lemon gem' pet-safety