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Pet safety

Is Marigold toxic to dogs?

Tagetes

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marigold 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. ASPCA lists Tagetes as mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Skin contact can also cause dermatitis in sensitive animals and people.

What to do if your dog ate marigold

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

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

Is marigold toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is marigold toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marigold 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. ASPCA lists Tagetes as mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Skin contact can also cause dermatitis in sensitive animals and people.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats marigold?

ASPCA lists Tagetes as mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to essential oils. Skin contact can also cause dermatitis in sensitive animals and people. 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 marigold.

What should I do if my dog ate marigold?

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 marigold toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to marigold?

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 marigold pet-safety