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Pet safety

Is Water Parsley toxic to dogs?

Oenanthe javanica

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists water parsley 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. The leaves and stems of Oenanthe javanica are widely consumed as a vegetable and are not directly listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database. However, the Oenanthe genus contains deadly toxic species (e.g. O. crocata, hemlock water dropwort, which contains oenanthotoxin). Given the genus risk and the fact that roots contain potentially harmful compounds if eaten raw, this species is classified as mildly-toxic until ASPCA listing confirms its safety. Keep pets from grazing on it as a precaution.

What to do if your dog ate water parsley

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

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

Is water parsley toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is water parsley toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists water parsley 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. The leaves and stems of Oenanthe javanica are widely consumed as a vegetable and are not directly listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database. However, the Oenanthe genus contains deadly toxic species (e.g. O. crocata, hemlock water dropwort, which contains oenanthotoxin). Given the genus risk and the fact that roots contain potentially harmful compounds if eaten raw, this species is classified as mildly-toxic until ASPCA listing confirms its safety. Keep pets from grazing on it as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats water parsley?

The leaves and stems of Oenanthe javanica are widely consumed as a vegetable and are not directly listed on the ASPCA toxic-plant database. However, the Oenanthe genus contains deadly toxic species (e.g. O. crocata, hemlock water dropwort, which contains oenanthotoxin). Given the genus risk and the fact that roots contain potentially harmful compounds if eaten raw, this species is classified as mildly-toxic until ASPCA listing confirms its safety. Keep pets from grazing on it as a precaution. 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 water parsley.

What should I do if my dog ate water parsley?

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 water parsley toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to water parsley?

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 water parsley pet-safety