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Is St. John's Wort toxic to dogs?

Hypericum perforatum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — st. john's wort 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitization, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-exposed skin, especially after sun exposure. Keep pets and grazing livestock away from the plant.

What to do if your dog ate st. john's wort

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

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

Is st. john's wort toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is st. john's wort toxic to dogs?

Yes — st. john's wort is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitization, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-exposed skin, especially after sun exposure. Keep pets and grazing livestock away from the plant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats st. john's wort?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is hypericin, which causes photosensitization, leading to ulcerative and exudative dermatitis on light-exposed skin, especially after sun exposure. Keep pets and grazing livestock away from the plant. 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 st. john's wort.

What should I do if my dog ate st. john's wort?

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 st. john's wort toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: St. John's Wort is toxic to cats as well. See the full st. john's wort pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to st. john's wort?

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 st. john's wort pet-safety