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Pet safety

Is Moth Mullein toxic to dogs?

Verbascum blattaria

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moth mullein 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.

What to do if your dog ate moth mullein

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

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

Is moth mullein toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is moth mullein toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists moth mullein 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. Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats moth mullein?

Verbascum blattaria is not individually listed by ASPCA on toxic or non-toxic plant lists. As with other Verbascum species, the seeds contain rotenone-related compounds and iridoid glycosides that may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in quantity. Overall risk is considered low. The flowers and leaves have historical herbal use but should not be consumed without professional guidance. Contact dermatitis from the slightly hairy leaves is possible in sensitive individuals. 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 moth mullein.

What should I do if my dog ate moth mullein?

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 moth mullein toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to moth mullein?

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 moth mullein pet-safety