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Pet safety

Is Tree Germander toxic to dogs?

Teucrium fruticans

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tree germander 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. Teucrium fruticans is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Teucrium species contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids, the same compound class linked to hepatotoxicity in humans who consumed germander herbal preparations. While pet-specific toxicity studies are limited, ingestion of leaves or stems may cause gastrointestinal upset or potentially liver stress in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.

What to do if your dog ate tree germander

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

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

Is tree germander toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tree germander toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tree germander 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. Teucrium fruticans is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Teucrium species contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids, the same compound class linked to hepatotoxicity in humans who consumed germander herbal preparations. While pet-specific toxicity studies are limited, ingestion of leaves or stems may cause gastrointestinal upset or potentially liver stress in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tree germander?

Teucrium fruticans is not specifically listed on the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant database. Teucrium species contain neo-clerodane diterpenoids, the same compound class linked to hepatotoxicity in humans who consumed germander herbal preparations. While pet-specific toxicity studies are limited, ingestion of leaves or stems may cause gastrointestinal upset or potentially liver stress in cats and dogs. Treat as mildly toxic; keep away from pets and seek veterinary advice if 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 tree germander.

What should I do if my dog ate tree germander?

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 tree germander toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to tree germander?

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 tree germander pet-safety