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Pet safety

Is Sweet Flag toxic to dogs?

Acorus calamus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — sweet flag 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. Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What to do if your dog ate sweet flag

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

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

Is sweet flag toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is sweet flag toxic to dogs?

Yes — sweet flag is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats sweet flag?

Acorus calamus is toxic to pets. The foliage and rhizome contain β-asarone (and related alkenylbenzenes), which is potentially carcinogenic and can cause vomiting and, in dogs, seizures on ingestion. While Acorus is not on the named ASPCA list, multiple toxicology sources document its toxic principle, so it should be kept away from cats, dogs and children; contact a vet if any part is eaten. 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 sweet flag.

What should I do if my dog ate sweet flag?

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 sweet flag toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to sweet flag?

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 sweet flag pet-safety