Pampas Grass — (c) Fernando de Gorocica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Photo by (c) Fernando de Gorocica, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)iNaturalistCC BY-SA
dog safety reference

Is Pampas Grass safe for dogs?

Cortaderia selloana

Pampas Grass is a large, ornamental perennial grass known for its dramatic, feathery plumes and sharp-edged foliage. It is generally considered safe for pets, though its fibrous nature may cause mild digestive irritation if consumed in large quantities.

Cortaderia selloanaPampas Grass
Light
Full sun
Habit
Clump-forming
Care
Low

Safety status

Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Casually safe for dogs — ASPCA lists no toxic principle for Pampas Grass. The mechanical hazard outweighs any chemical one: the leaf blades are sharp enough to slice a dog's mouth or tongue, especially with vigorous chewers, so check for bleeding rather than poisoning.

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.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected from typical contact; however, ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may lead to mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset.

Escalation note

Non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount of the foliage and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Pampas Grassis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Pampas Grass is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

A large, clump-forming ornamental grass that is widely used in landscapes for its showy, plume-like inflorescences.

Cats & dogs pagecats page

Questions about Pampas Grass

Is pampas grass toxic to dogs?

Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is non-toxic to dogs. It is generally considered safe, though its fibrous foliage can cause mild gastrointestinal upset if eaten in large amounts.

What happens if a dog eats pampas grass?

Ingesting small amounts is unlikely to cause any problem. If your dog consumes a significant quantity of the tough, fibrous foliage, mild vomiting or gastrointestinal upset is possible due to the plant material itself, not any toxic compound.

What should I do if my dog ate a lot of pampas grass?

Non-toxic does not mean harmless in large quantities — monitor your dog for vomiting or signs of GI distress. If symptoms are persistent or your dog seems uncomfortable, contact your veterinarian. For urgent concerns, you can also reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Are the sharp leaves of pampas grass dangerous to dogs?

The blade edges of pampas grass are notably sharp and can cause cuts to a dog's mouth, paws, or skin on contact. Physical injury from the foliage is a more realistic hazard than toxicity, so discourage dogs from chewing or running through the plant.

Same dog verdict

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