Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Bishop's Weed - what should I do?
Ammi majus
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Skin irritation, blistering upon sun exposure, vomiting, and lethargy.
Escalation note
The plant contains compounds that increase sensitivity to sunlight and may cause internal distress. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of discomfort or skin lesions.
What to watch for
Inside the mouth, expect intense burning sensation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing shortly after chewing. Within the next 24–72 hours of sun exposure, watch for redness, swelling, blistering, or scabbing on lightly haired skin — muzzle, ear tips, belly, and around the eyes. Some dogs squint or avoid bright light because of conjunctival irritation.
Time window
Oral signs appear within minutes of chewing. Photosensitization lesions typically develop 1–3 days after ingestion once the dog is in sunlight; resolution can take days to weeks depending on dose and sun exposure. Exact recovery timing is not well documented in the ASPCA listing.
When to call the vet
Call your vet right away if your dog has chewed the plant and is drooling heavily, vomiting repeatedly, or refusing food, or if you see any new skin lesions, blistering, or eye irritation in the days following exposure. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435. Until you reach a vet, keep the dog out of direct sunlight.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. ASPCA lists Ammi majus as toxic to dogs and flags two distinct problems: oral irritation from chewing the plant, and photosensitization (sun-triggered skin damage) after ingesting the seeds or sap. Outdoor dogs that brush against or nibble the plant and then sun themselves are the highest-risk profile.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.