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
dog safety reference
Is Water Hemlock safe for dogs?
Cicuta species
Cowbane is a highly poisonous genus of plants in the carrot family, known for containing potent neurotoxins that affect the central nervous system. It is considered one of the most lethal plants in North America and should be strictly avoided in any environment accessible to pets.
CicutaCicuta speciesPoison ParsnipWater Hemlock
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Care
- High (due to extreme toxicity)
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs — extremely toxic. ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both list water hemlock (Cicuta) as a serious threat: the toxin cicutoxin acts as a GABA antagonist in the central nervous system, and ingestion of even a small amount of root or stem can rapidly produce seizures and death. Hunting, farm, or off-leash dogs that chew the carrot-like roots after digging are the typical poisoning case.
What to watch for
Pet Poison Helpline lists drooling, dilated pupils, weakness, agitation, nervousness, twitching, seizures, cardiac abnormalities, difficulty breathing, and death from respiratory paralysis. ASPCA adds diarrhea, extreme stomach pain, fever, bloat, and respiratory depression.
Time window
Pet Poison Helpline emphasizes that the time between symptom onset and severe poisoning can be very short and that prompt aggressive treatment is needed. Exact dose-to-onset varies; precise numbers are not published in the cited sources.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately on any suspicion — do not wait for symptoms. Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) is also 24/7. Prompt seizure control and supportive care offer the only realistic chance.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
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
Vomiting, violent seizures, muscle twitching, dilated pupils, and potential collapse.
Escalation note
Extremely severe; the toxins act rapidly on the nervous system. Contact a veterinarian or emergency animal poison control center immediately.
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
Water Hemlock is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs, containing cicutoxin which causes severe neurotoxic effects.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Cicuta maculata is highly poisonous to humans and animals; all parts of the plant are toxic.
Same dog verdict
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