Dogs
Generally safeConsulted 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.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Scarlet Sage safe for dogs?
Salvia coccinea
Scarlet Sage is a popular, vibrant flowering plant often grown in gardens for its spikes of tubular red flowers. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.
Blood SageSalvia coccineaTexas SageTropical Sage
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Upright, branching
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
The ASPCA lists Scarlet Sage as non-toxic to dogs — there's no listed canine toxin. A curious chewer isn't likely to need any treatment; only excessive ingestion might lead to mild, self-limiting GI signs.
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
None expected; however, large ingestions of fibrous plant matter may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Escalation note
Generally considered safe. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.
Bring it home
Scarlet Sageis 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
Scarlet Sage is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Salvia coccinea is a herbaceous perennial that is widely used in landscapes and is not known to be toxic to common household pets.
Questions about Scarlet Sage
Is Scarlet Sage toxic to dogs?
Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) is considered non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning it is not expected to cause poisoning or serious harm if your dog eats it.
What happens if a dog eats Scarlet Sage?
No toxic symptoms are expected from Scarlet Sage. However, if your dog eats a large amount of the fibrous plant material, it may experience mild vomiting or diarrhea from the bulk of the plant matter rather than any toxic compound.
My dog ate a lot of Scarlet Sage — should I be worried?
A small nibble is unlikely to cause any issue. If your dog consumed a significant amount and is showing persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. Non-toxic does not mean unlimited quantities are harmless — large ingestions of any plant material can upset a dog's digestive system.
Is Scarlet Sage the same as other sages, and are those safe for dogs too?
Scarlet Sage refers specifically to Salvia coccinea, which is considered non-toxic to dogs. Other plants called 'sage' (including different Salvia species or unrelated plants sharing a common name) may have different safety profiles, so always verify the botanical name before assuming safety applies across the genus.
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Baby's Breath
Gypsophila elegans
Baby's Breath is a popular ornamental plant known for its delicate, cloud-like clusters of small white or pink flowers. While generally considered safe, it is best kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion of fibrous plant material.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Summer Savory
Satureja hortensis
Summer Savory is a popular culinary herb known for its peppery flavor and aromatic foliage. It is considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may occasionally cause minor digestive discomfort.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Cosmos
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Garden cosmos is a daisy-like annual usually treated as a pet-safe flowering option, though any large plant ingestion can still cause mild stomach upset.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.
Dwarf Date Palm
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The Dwarf Date Palm is a slow-growing, stemless palm species native to the grasslands of India. It is widely appreciated for its compact, architectural foliage that mimics the appearance of larger date palms in a miniature form.
Generally safe for cats & dogs.