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Is Russian Comfrey toxic to dogs?

Symphytum uplandicum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — russian comfrey 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. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants.

What to do if your dog ate russian comfrey

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

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

Is russian comfrey toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is russian comfrey toxic to dogs?

Yes — russian comfrey is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats russian comfrey?

Symphytum species contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), notably echimidine and symphytine, which are hepatotoxic. ASPCA lists Symphytum (comfrey) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Internal use is contraindicated in humans in many countries due to liver toxicity risk. External (topical) use of root preparations is considered lower risk but discouraged on broken skin. Keep pets away from plants. 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 russian comfrey.

What should I do if my dog ate russian comfrey?

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 russian comfrey toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to russian comfrey?

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 russian comfrey pet-safety