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Is Sneezeweed toxic to dogs?

Helenium autumnale

Toxic to dogs

Yes — sneezeweed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Though not individually listed in the ASPCA's searchable database, Helenium is documented as poisonous by USDA ARS and Colorado State University's poisonous-plant guide: the whole plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with weakness or incoordination in larger doses; keep away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your dog ate sneezeweed

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

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

Is sneezeweed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sneezeweed toxic to dogs?

Yes — sneezeweed is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Though not individually listed in the ASPCA's searchable database, Helenium is documented as poisonous by USDA ARS and Colorado State University's poisonous-plant guide: the whole plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with weakness or incoordination in larger doses; keep away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sneezeweed?

Though not individually listed in the ASPCA's searchable database, Helenium is documented as poisonous by USDA ARS and Colorado State University's poisonous-plant guide: the whole plant contains toxic sesquiterpene lactones. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, with weakness or incoordination in larger doses; keep away from pets and livestock. 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 sneezeweed.

What should I do if my dog ate sneezeweed?

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 sneezeweed toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to sneezeweed?

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 sneezeweed pet-safety