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Is Nasturtium officinale toxic to dogs?

Nasturtium officinale

Toxic to dogs

Yes — nasturtium officinale is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The ASPCA lists Nasturtium officinale (watercress) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle; reported signs are mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite being a popular human salad green, it should be kept away from pets, and the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) or a vet should be contacted if a pet ingests it.

What to do if your dog ate nasturtium officinale

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

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

Is nasturtium officinale toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is nasturtium officinale toxic to dogs?

Yes — nasturtium officinale is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Nasturtium officinale (watercress) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle; reported signs are mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite being a popular human salad green, it should be kept away from pets, and the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) or a vet should be contacted if a pet ingests it.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats nasturtium officinale?

The ASPCA lists Nasturtium officinale (watercress) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses, with gastrointestinal irritants as the toxic principle; reported signs are mild vomiting and diarrhoea. Despite being a popular human salad green, it should be kept away from pets, and the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) or a vet should be contacted if a pet ingests it. 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 nasturtium officinale.

What should I do if my dog ate nasturtium officinale?

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 nasturtium officinale toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to nasturtium officinale?

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 nasturtium officinale pet-safety