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Is Mexican Feather Grass toxic to dogs?

Nassella tenuissima

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mexican feather grass 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. Nassella tenuissima is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so it cannot be asserted as pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The chief concern is mechanical: the needle-like, barbed seed awns readily lodge in fur, ears, eyes and paws or migrate into skin, and ingested awns or foliage may irritate the mouth and gut.

What to do if your dog ate mexican feather grass

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

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

Is mexican feather grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is mexican feather grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists mexican feather grass 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. Nassella tenuissima is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so it cannot be asserted as pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The chief concern is mechanical: the needle-like, barbed seed awns readily lodge in fur, ears, eyes and paws or migrate into skin, and ingested awns or foliage may irritate the mouth and gut.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats mexican feather grass?

Nassella tenuissima is not individually listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so it cannot be asserted as pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The chief concern is mechanical: the needle-like, barbed seed awns readily lodge in fur, ears, eyes and paws or migrate into skin, and ingested awns or foliage may irritate the mouth and gut. 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 mexican feather grass.

What should I do if my dog ate mexican feather grass?

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 mexican feather grass toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Mexican Feather Grass is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full mexican feather grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to mexican feather grass?

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 mexican feather grass pet-safety