Growli

Pet safety

Is Ribbed Melilot toxic to dogs?

Melilotus officinalis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ribbed melilot 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. Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material.

What to do if your dog ate ribbed melilot

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

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

Is ribbed melilot toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is ribbed melilot toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists ribbed melilot 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. Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats ribbed melilot?

Contains coumarin which, when the plant is mouldy or improperly dried, is converted by fungi (Penicillium, Aspergillus spp.) to dicoumarol — a potent anticoagulant that can cause haemorrhage. Primarily documented in cattle and horses; not specifically listed on the ASPCA dog/cat toxic plant list but the anticoagulant risk makes it mildly toxic for pets. Fresh green plant poses lower risk than mouldy material. 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 ribbed melilot.

What should I do if my dog ate ribbed melilot?

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 ribbed melilot toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ribbed Melilot is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full ribbed melilot pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to ribbed melilot?

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 ribbed melilot pet-safety