Is Scarlet Bee Balm toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists scarlet bee balm 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. Like other Monarda, it is widely regarded as low-risk and historically used as a herbal tea, but without an explicit ASPCA non-toxic listing it cannot be asserted pet-safe; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before any deliberate pet use.

Not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic/non-toxic plant database. Like other Monarda, it is widely regarded as low-risk and historically used as a herbal tea, but without an explicit ASPCA non-toxic listing it cannot be asserted pet-safe; large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before any deliberate pet use. 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 scarlet bee balm.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Scarlet Bee Balm is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full scarlet bee balm pet-safety guide for both species.

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.