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Pet safety

Is Rue toxic to dogs?

Ruta graveolens

Toxic to dogs

Yes — rue 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. Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves.

What to do if your dog ate rue

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

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

Is rue toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is rue toxic to dogs?

Yes — rue is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats rue?

Rue contains furanocoumarins and volatile oils and is widely reported toxic to dogs and cats, with ingestion causing vomiting, depression, drooling and weakness. The sap is also strongly phototoxic, raising blisters on skin exposed to sunlight in both pets and people. Although not on the ASPCA non-toxic list, multiple veterinary and horticultural sources class it as toxic, so keep it away from pets and handle with gloves. 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 rue.

What should I do if my dog ate rue?

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 rue toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to rue?

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 rue pet-safety