Sage — (c) James (Jim) Duggan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by James (Jim) Duggan
Photo by (c) James (Jim) Duggan, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by James (Jim) DugganiNaturalistCC BY-SA
dog safety reference

Is Sage safe for dogs?

Salvia officinalis

Sage is a popular culinary and ornamental herb known for its aromatic, grey-green foliage. It is generally considered safe for household pets, though large ingestions of fibrous plant material may cause minor digestive discomfort.

Common SageGarden SageSalvia officinalis
Light
Full sun
Habit
Mounded shrub
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

Dogs are safe around culinary Sage — ASPCA lists Salvia officinalis as non-toxic to dogs. A dog that grazes a kitchen herb plant is not being poisoned.

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 typically expected; however, excessive consumption of fibrous leaves may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea.

Escalation note

The plant is non-toxic, but if your dog consumes a large amount and shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

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

Open source

Sage is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Salvia officinalis is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, widely used for culinary purposes.

Cats & dogs pagecats page

Questions about Sage

Is sage toxic to dogs?

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is non-toxic to dogs. It is classified as generally safe, meaning a dog that sniffs or nibbles the herb is not expected to experience any harmful effects.

What happens if a dog eats a lot of sage?

Sage is not poisonous, but the fibrous leaves can irritate the digestive tract in large amounts. Excessive consumption may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea that typically resolves on its own.

Should I call the vet if my dog ate sage from the garden?

A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your dog ate a large quantity and is showing signs of distress such as repeated vomiting, lethargy, or refuses to eat, contact your veterinarian.

Does the type of sage matter — culinary vs. ornamental — for dog safety?

The classification data covers Salvia officinalis, the common culinary and ornamental sage. Non-toxic status applies to this species; if your dog ate a plant sold under a different 'sage' common name, verify the Latin species with your vet or a poison hotline before assuming it is safe.

Same dog verdict

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