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Is Purple-Top Germander toxic to dogs?

Teucrium hircanicum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple-top germander 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. Teucrium hircanicum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. It belongs to the Teucrium genus, members of which contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids associated with hepatotoxicity in humans following prolonged ingestion of herbal preparations. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal upset or, in quantity, potential liver irritation. Classified as mildly toxic as a precaution; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate purple-top germander

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move purple-top germander 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 purple-top germander to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is purple-top germander toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is purple-top germander toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple-top germander 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. Teucrium hircanicum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. It belongs to the Teucrium genus, members of which contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids associated with hepatotoxicity in humans following prolonged ingestion of herbal preparations. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal upset or, in quantity, potential liver irritation. Classified as mildly toxic as a precaution; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats purple-top germander?

Teucrium hircanicum is not listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. It belongs to the Teucrium genus, members of which contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids associated with hepatotoxicity in humans following prolonged ingestion of herbal preparations. Ingestion by cats or dogs may cause gastrointestinal upset or, in quantity, potential liver irritation. Classified as mildly toxic as a precaution; keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingestion is suspected. 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 purple-top germander.

What should I do if my dog ate purple-top germander?

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 purple-top germander toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple-Top Germander is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full purple-top germander pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to purple-top germander?

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 purple-top germander pet-safety