Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Epazote
Chenopodium ambrosioides
Epazote is an aromatic herb often used in culinary applications, but it contains essential oils that can be harmful to pets if ingested in significant quantities. It is best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Chenopodium ambrosioidesDysphania ambrosioidesJerusalem teaMexican tea
- Light
- Full sun
- Habit
- Upright herbaceous annual
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential neurological signs such as tremors or incoordination.
Escalation note
Ingestion of the plant material or concentrated oils can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect ingestion.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potential central nervous system depression.
Escalation note
The essential oils within the plant can cause irritation and systemic effects. Seek veterinary care if your dog shows signs of illness after exposure.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Epazote is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
Kew Plants of the World Online
botanical · 95% reliability
Accepted scientific name and taxonomic classification for Chenopodium ambrosioides.
Questions about Epazote
Is epazote toxic to cats?
Yes, epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains essential oils — including ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene — that can cause harm if ingested in significant quantities.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating epazote?
A cat that nibbles epazote leaves may vomit or have diarrhea. Larger ingestions, especially involving concentrated oils, can cause more serious signs: repeated vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and neurological symptoms such as tremors or incoordination.
What should I do if my cat ate epazote?
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 right away, especially if your cat ingested concentrated epazote oil, vomiting persists more than a couple of hours, or your cat becomes lethargic, wobbly, or refuses food. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking help.
Which parts of epazote are dangerous to cats, and are the oils worse than the leaves?
Both the plant material and its concentrated essential oils pose a risk, but concentrated oils are more dangerous — signs tend to be more pronounced with oil exposure than with a simple leaf nibble. The toxic principles identified by the ASPCA are ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene, which are most concentrated in the oils.
Is epazote toxic to dogs?
Yes, epazote (Chenopodium ambrosioides) is potentially toxic to dogs. The plant contains essential oils — including ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene — that can cause irritation and systemic effects if ingested in significant quantities.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating epazote?
Most dogs that nibble the herb develop vomiting and diarrhea. With larger or concentrated-oil exposure, expect drooling, repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and possible central nervous system depression such as weakness or wobbliness.
What should I do if my dog ate epazote?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian, especially if your dog consumed epazote essential oil, if vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond a few hours, or if you observe drooling, weakness, or loss of coordination. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before seeking guidance.
Which parts of the epazote plant are dangerous to dogs?
The toxic risk comes from the essential oils concentrated throughout the plant. Onset and recovery timelines are not well documented, so any ingestion — especially of concentrated forms like essential oil — warrants prompt veterinary attention rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Mayweed
Anthemis cotula
Mayweed is a flowering herbaceous plant in the daisy family known for its strong scent and daisy-like blooms. It is considered toxic to pets due to the presence of compounds that can cause irritation upon contact or ingestion.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa is a popular tropical houseplant known for its large, fenestrated leaves and vining growth habit. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Snake Plant
Dracaena trifasciata
Dracaena trifasciata is a popular, hardy houseplant known for its stiff, sword-like leaves with striking yellow margins. It is widely appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in various indoor conditions.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Philodendron
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.