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Pet safety

Is Tagar toxic to dogs?

Valeriana wallichii

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tagar 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. Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What to do if your dog ate tagar

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

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

Is tagar toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tagar toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tagar 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. Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tagar?

Valeriana wallichii is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Like other Valeriana species, it contains valerenic acid and isovaleric acid in its rhizomes. These compounds can cause mild GI upset and, in cats, behavioural stimulation similar to catnip. ASPCA Poison Control cases involving valerian typically show minimal clinical signs in dogs, but consult a vet if significant ingestion occurs. 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 tagar.

What should I do if my dog ate tagar?

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 tagar toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to tagar?

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 tagar pet-safety