What should I do if my cat ate Cow Parsnip?

Move the cat indoors and out of direct sunlight. With gloves on, wipe sap off the fur with a damp cloth and rinse the mouth gently with cool water if the cat will tolerate it. Do not induce vomiting. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Call any time you see blistering, raw skin, eye irritation, persistent drooling, or refusal to eat. Cats are small and skin reactions can become severe with normal sun exposure, so don't wait to see if it worsens.

What should I do if my dog ate Cow Parsnip?

Bring the dog inside, away from sunlight. With gloves on, wash the contact areas thoroughly with soap and cool water and rinse the mouth if the dog has chewed leaves. Do not induce vomiting. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. Call promptly if you see blistering or open skin lesions, swelling around the mouth, persistent drooling, or refusal to eat. Severe phytophotodermatitis can ulcerate and become infected, so don't wait it out.

Cow Parsnip — (c) Connie Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connie Taylor — Photo by (c) Connie Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connie TayloriNaturalistCC BY

Photo by (c) Connie Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Connie TayloriNaturalistCC BY

Pet safety reference

Cow Parsnip

Q: Is Cow Parsnip safe for cats?

Cow Parsnip is potentially toxic to cats. The plant contains photosensitizing compounds that can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect ingestion or skin contact.

Q: Is Cow Parsnip safe for dogs?

Cow Parsnip is potentially toxic to dogs. Contact with the sap can lead to phytophotodermatitis, where skin becomes hypersensitive to UV light. Seek veterinary care if your pet shows signs of distress or skin lesions.

Heracleum maximum

Cow parsnip is a large, herbaceous perennial member of the carrot family known for its tall stature and umbrella-like flower clusters. It contains furanocoumarins that can cause significant skin and mucosal irritation upon contact.

Check a list

American cow parsnipCow parsnipHeracleum lanatumHeracleum maximum

Light: Partial shade to full sun
Habit: Herbaceous perennial
Care: Low

Safety status

Cats & Dogs

Potentially toxic

Consulted 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

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

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

Dermatitis, blistering, redness, and irritation of the mouth or throat if ingested.

Escalation note

The plant contains photosensitizing compounds that can cause severe skin reactions when exposed to sunlight. Please contact your veterinarian if you suspect ingestion or skin contact.

Dogs — concern notes

Common signs

Skin inflammation, blistering, oral irritation, and potential gastrointestinal upset.

Escalation note

Contact with the sap can lead to phytophotodermatitis, where skin becomes hypersensitive to UV light. Seek veterinary care if your pet shows signs of distress or skin lesions.

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

Open source

Cow parsnip is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to its potential for causing dermatitis and irritation.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Heracleum maximum is a native perennial that can cause skin irritation in humans and animals due to furanocoumarins.

cats safety page My cat ate Cow Parsnip dogs safety page My dog ate Cow Parsnip

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