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Is Tussock Needlegrass toxic to dogs?

Nassella cernua

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tussock needlegrass 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. Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard.

What to do if your dog ate tussock needlegrass

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

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

Is tussock needlegrass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is tussock needlegrass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists tussock needlegrass 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. Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats tussock needlegrass?

Nassella cernua is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Ornamental grasses are generally low-risk, but the sharp needle-like awns on seed heads can cause mechanical injury (skin puncture, eye or mouth irritation) to pets and children. Classify as mildly-toxic due to physical hazard. 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 tussock needlegrass.

What should I do if my dog ate tussock needlegrass?

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 tussock needlegrass toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to tussock needlegrass?

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 tussock needlegrass pet-safety