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Is Parsnip 'Javelin' toxic to dogs?

Pastinaca sativa 'Javelin'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 'javelin' 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. Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is actually water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), a different plant. The species contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) in foliage and sap that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight; cultivated forms hold less than wild parsnip but it is present. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing foliage.

What to do if your dog ate parsnip 'javelin'

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

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

Is parsnip 'javelin' toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is parsnip 'javelin' toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists parsnip 'javelin' 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. Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is actually water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), a different plant. The species contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) in foliage and sap that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight; cultivated forms hold less than wild parsnip but it is present. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing foliage.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats parsnip 'javelin'?

Cultivated parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant list; the ASPCA 'poison parsnip' entry is actually water hemlock (Cicuta maculata), a different plant. The species contains furanocoumarins (psoralens) in foliage and sap that cause phytophotodermatitis in sunlight; cultivated forms hold less than wild parsnip but it is present. Treat with caution and verify with a vet; keep pets from chewing foliage. 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 parsnip 'javelin'.

What should I do if my dog ate parsnip 'javelin'?

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 parsnip 'javelin' toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Parsnip 'Javelin' is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full parsnip 'javelin' pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to parsnip 'javelin'?

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 parsnip 'javelin' pet-safety