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.
dog safety reference
Is Epazote safe for dogs?
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
What this means for your dog
Dogs: epazote is on the ASPCA toxic-plant list for dogs. A few chewed leaves usually means GI upset, but ingestion of concentrated epazote oil — the form used in some herbal preparations — can be considerably more serious because of its ascaridole content.
What to watch for
Most dogs that nibble the herb develop vomiting and diarrhoea. With concentrated-oil exposure, expect drooling, repeated vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and lethargy. The ASPCA names ascaridole, limonene, and p-cymene as the toxic essential-oil components.
Time window
Onset and recovery times for epazote in dogs are not well documented in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call ASPCA Poison Control or your vet if your dog has consumed epazote essential oil, if vomiting or diarrhoea persists beyond a few hours, or if you see drooling, weakness, or wobbliness.
Sources: ASPCA.
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.
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
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 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.
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