Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Woodruff toxic to dogs?

Galium odoratum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woodruff 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Sweet woodruff contains coumarin, which in large amounts can affect the liver and clotting, particularly in dogs. Risk from casual nibbling is generally low, but because the ASPCA does not confirm it as non-toxic, do not label it pet-safe.

What to do if your dog ate woodruff

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

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

Is woodruff toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is woodruff toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists woodruff 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Sweet woodruff contains coumarin, which in large amounts can affect the liver and clotting, particularly in dogs. Risk from casual nibbling is generally low, but because the ASPCA does not confirm it as non-toxic, do not label it pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats woodruff?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat with caution and verify with a vet. Sweet woodruff contains coumarin, which in large amounts can affect the liver and clotting, particularly in dogs. Risk from casual nibbling is generally low, but because the ASPCA does not confirm it as non-toxic, do not label it pet-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 woodruff.

What should I do if my dog ate woodruff?

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 woodruff toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to woodruff?

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 woodruff pet-safety