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Pet safety

Is Wasabi toxic to dogs?

Eutrema japonicum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wasabi 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. Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What to do if your dog ate wasabi

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

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

Is wasabi toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is wasabi toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists wasabi 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. Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats wasabi?

Eutrema japonicum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. As a Brassicaceae member it contains pungent glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates (the source of its heat) that can irritate a pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract and cause drooling or vomiting if chewed. Treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming it is safe. 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 wasabi.

What should I do if my dog ate wasabi?

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 wasabi toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to wasabi?

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 wasabi pet-safety