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Is Smooth Oregano toxic to dogs?

Origanum laevigatum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists smooth oregano 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. The ASPCA lists oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, caused by gastrointestinal irritant essential oils (carvacrol, thymol). Origanum laevigatum contains similar aromatic compounds and should be treated as mildly toxic, consistent with the genus-level ASPCA classification. Not individually listed by ASPCA.

What to do if your dog ate smooth oregano

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

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

Is smooth oregano toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is smooth oregano toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists smooth oregano 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. The ASPCA lists oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, caused by gastrointestinal irritant essential oils (carvacrol, thymol). Origanum laevigatum contains similar aromatic compounds and should be treated as mildly toxic, consistent with the genus-level ASPCA classification. Not individually listed by ASPCA.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats smooth oregano?

The ASPCA lists oregano (Origanum vulgare) as mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, caused by gastrointestinal irritant essential oils (carvacrol, thymol). Origanum laevigatum contains similar aromatic compounds and should be treated as mildly toxic, consistent with the genus-level ASPCA classification. Not individually listed by ASPCA. 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 smooth oregano.

What should I do if my dog ate smooth oregano?

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 smooth oregano toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to smooth oregano?

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 smooth oregano pet-safety