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Pet safety

Is Shiso (Perilla) toxic to dogs?

Perilla frutescens

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso (perilla) 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 individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate shiso (perilla)

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

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

Is shiso (perilla) toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is shiso (perilla) toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists shiso (perilla) 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 individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your vet if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats shiso (perilla)?

Perilla frutescens is NOT individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no other Perilla species is ASPCA-listed, so there is no "clean genus" basis to call it pet-safe. The plant contains perilla ketone (concentrated in stems, flowers and seeds), a well-documented lung toxin that causes severe respiratory distress in grazing livestock; pet poison references report respiratory and gastrointestinal signs in dogs and cats. Treat it as mildly toxic, keep it away from pets and livestock, and consult your 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 shiso (perilla).

What should I do if my dog ate shiso (perilla)?

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 (perilla) toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to shiso (perilla)?

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 (perilla) pet-safety