Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Skullcap toxic to dogs?

Scutellaria lateriflora

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skullcap 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. Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not flagged as toxic by major poison-control bodies and appears in some pet herbal products, but the lack of an ASPCA listing means safety cannot be confirmed; commercial 'skullcap' supplements have also been adulterated with hepatotoxic germander. Do not treat as confirmed pet-safe.

What to do if your dog ate skullcap

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

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

Is skullcap toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is skullcap toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists skullcap 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 Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not flagged as toxic by major poison-control bodies and appears in some pet herbal products, but the lack of an ASPCA listing means safety cannot be confirmed; commercial 'skullcap' supplements have also been adulterated with hepatotoxic germander. Do not treat as confirmed pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats skullcap?

Not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic/Non-Toxic Plants database, so its pet status is not formally established; treat with caution and verify with a vet. It is not flagged as toxic by major poison-control bodies and appears in some pet herbal products, but the lack of an ASPCA listing means safety cannot be confirmed; commercial 'skullcap' supplements have also been adulterated with hepatotoxic germander. Do not treat as confirmed pet-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 skullcap.

What should I do if my dog ate skullcap?

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 skullcap toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to skullcap?

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 skullcap pet-safety