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Pet safety

Is Shiso toxic to dogs?

Perilla frutescens var. crispa

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso 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. Perilla frutescens is not clearly verifiable on the ASPCA non-toxic list, and the species is a documented livestock toxin: it contains perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress (atypical interstitial pneumonia) in cattle and horses. For cats and dogs status is uncertain; treat with caution, limit access, and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What to do if your dog ate shiso

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

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

Is shiso toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is shiso toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso 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. Perilla frutescens is not clearly verifiable on the ASPCA non-toxic list, and the species is a documented livestock toxin: it contains perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress (atypical interstitial pneumonia) in cattle and horses. For cats and dogs status is uncertain; treat with caution, limit access, and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats shiso?

Perilla frutescens is not clearly verifiable on the ASPCA non-toxic list, and the species is a documented livestock toxin: it contains perilla ketone, which causes acute respiratory distress (atypical interstitial pneumonia) in cattle and horses. For cats and dogs status is uncertain; treat with caution, limit access, and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. 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 shiso.

What should I do if my dog ate shiso?

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 shiso toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to shiso?

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 shiso pet-safety