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 Lovage safe for dogs?
Levisticum officinale
Lovage is a tall, perennial herb in the Apiaceae family often grown for its culinary uses, but it contains compounds that can cause adverse reactions in pets. It is best kept out of reach of curious cats and dogs.
Garden LovageLevisticum officinaleLovage
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs should not chew on lovage. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs because of volatile oils — especially phthalide lactones — which produce digestive upset and skin irritation. Garden nibbles usually cause discomfort rather than serious illness, but reactions can be more pronounced with the larger volumes a dog might eat.
What to watch for
Vomiting, soft stools, drooling, and reduced appetite are the most likely signs. Skin contact with crushed leaves can leave red, itchy patches. Like other carrot-family plants, lovage has been linked to sun-sensitivity in livestock, though dog-specific evidence is thin.
Time window
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion and resolve within a day; the ASPCA does not give a documented recovery window for lovage in dogs.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts beyond a few hours, your dog seems painful in the belly or unusually flat, or skin irritation worsens or spreads.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
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
Skin irritation, redness, and potential digestive distress.
Escalation note
Contact with the plant may cause skin reactions; ingestion may lead to stomach upset. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has eaten any part of the plant.
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
Lovage is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Levisticum officinale is a hardy perennial herb in the Apiaceae family.
Questions about Lovage
Is lovage toxic to dogs?
Yes, lovage (Levisticum officinale) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. The plant can cause skin irritation and digestive distress, so it should be kept out of reach.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating lovage?
Ingestion can cause vomiting, soft stools, drooling, and reduced appetite. If your dog's skin came into contact with crushed leaves, watch for red, itchy patches at the contact site.
What should I do if my dog ate lovage?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Seek prompt attention if vomiting or diarrhea lasts beyond a few hours, your dog seems painful in the belly or unusually lethargic, or any skin irritation worsens or spreads.
How quickly do symptoms appear after a dog eats lovage, and how long do they last?
GI signs typically appear within hours of ingestion and generally resolve within a day. The ASPCA does not document a specific recovery window for lovage in dogs, so monitor your dog closely and contact your vet if symptoms persist.
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