Is Chamomile Toxic to Dogs?

⚠️ Mildly ToxicSeverity: Mild

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Chamomile sits in the mild zone for dogs — grazing the plant may cause slight stomach upset, and some dogs react allergically, but it is not seriously toxic.

Also known as: German Chamomile, Roman Chamomile · Matricaria chamomilla / Chamaemelum nobile

What makes it toxic

Volatile oils (bisabolol, chamazulene) and tannins that mildly irritate the gut in quantity and can trigger contact dermatitis or hypersensitivity in sensitive dogs.

Warning signs to watch for

Occasional vomiting, loose stool, drooling or itchy skin after eating the plant. Rarely, an allergic reaction with swelling.

What to do if your dog eats it

Move the dog away from the patch and offer water. Call the vet only if vomiting repeats or an allergic swelling appears; otherwise simple monitoring is enough.

Common questions

Is chamomile shampoo or spray safe for my dog’s skin?

Pet-formulated products at low concentration are generally fine. Avoid human essential-oil products, which concentrate the volatile oils.

Why do some lists call chamomile toxic if it is so mild?

Poison-control listings flag any plant that can produce clinical signs, including rare allergies and mild GI upset. The practical verdict for casual grazing is mild, self-limiting effects.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.