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Is Marsh Valerian toxic to dogs?

Valeriana dioica

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marsh valerian 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. Valeriana dioica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other Valeriana species, the rhizomes contain valerenic acid and isovaleric acid compounds. Small ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm in cats or dogs, but the strong odour attracts cats, and larger amounts may cause mild GI upset or sedation. Exercise caution and consult a vet if ingestion is significant.

What to do if your dog ate marsh valerian

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

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

Is marsh valerian toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is marsh valerian toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists marsh valerian 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. Valeriana dioica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other Valeriana species, the rhizomes contain valerenic acid and isovaleric acid compounds. Small ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm in cats or dogs, but the strong odour attracts cats, and larger amounts may cause mild GI upset or sedation. Exercise caution and consult a vet if ingestion is significant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats marsh valerian?

Valeriana dioica is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As with other Valeriana species, the rhizomes contain valerenic acid and isovaleric acid compounds. Small ingestion is unlikely to cause serious harm in cats or dogs, but the strong odour attracts cats, and larger amounts may cause mild GI upset or sedation. Exercise caution and consult a vet if ingestion is significant. 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 marsh valerian.

What should I do if my dog ate marsh valerian?

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 marsh valerian toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to marsh valerian?

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 marsh valerian pet-safety