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Pet safety

Is Variegated Cord Grass toxic to dogs?

Spartina pectinata 'Aureomarginata'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated cord grass 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. Spartina pectinata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The clear practical hazard is mechanical: the blade margins are sharply toothed (the species is sometimes called 'rip-gut' or sloughgrass) and can lacerate skin, mouth and paws.

What to do if your dog ate variegated cord grass

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

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

Is variegated cord grass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is variegated cord grass toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated cord grass 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. Spartina pectinata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The clear practical hazard is mechanical: the blade margins are sharply toothed (the species is sometimes called 'rip-gut' or sloughgrass) and can lacerate skin, mouth and paws.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats variegated cord grass?

Spartina pectinata is not individually listed by the ASPCA, so it cannot be confirmed pet-safe; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The clear practical hazard is mechanical: the blade margins are sharply toothed (the species is sometimes called 'rip-gut' or sloughgrass) and can lacerate skin, mouth and paws. 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 variegated cord grass.

What should I do if my dog ate variegated cord grass?

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 variegated cord grass toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Cord Grass is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full variegated cord grass pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to variegated cord grass?

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 variegated cord grass pet-safety