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Pet safety

Is Poblano Pepper toxic to dogs?

Capsicum annuum 'Poblano'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists poblano pepper 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. Capsicum annuum (the poblano/ancho chile) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in the pods is a mucous-membrane and gastrointestinal irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet eats any.

What to do if your dog ate poblano pepper

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

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

Is poblano pepper toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is poblano pepper toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists poblano pepper 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. Capsicum annuum (the poblano/ancho chile) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in the pods is a mucous-membrane and gastrointestinal irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet eats any.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats poblano pepper?

Capsicum annuum (the poblano/ancho chile) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant list, so pet-safe status cannot be affirmatively claimed; the ASPCA 'Ornamental Pepper' listing is for Solanum pseudocapsicum, a different plant. Capsaicin in the pods is a mucous-membrane and gastrointestinal irritant to cats and dogs, so treat with caution, keep pods and foliage out of reach, and consult a vet if a pet eats any. 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 poblano pepper.

What should I do if my dog ate poblano pepper?

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 poblano pepper toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Poblano Pepper is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full poblano pepper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to poblano pepper?

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 poblano pepper pet-safety