Is Rue Toxic to Dogs?
Also known as: Herb-of-Grace, Common Rue, Ruta graveolens · Ruta graveolens
What makes it toxic
Phototoxic furanocoumarins and irritating essential oils. The same compounds that burn the gut on contact become skin-damaging after exposure to UV light.
Warning signs to watch for
Drooling, vomiting and diarrhea within hours of eating. If sap contacts the skin, red, blistering sores appear in sun-exposed patches over the next day or two.
What to do if your dog eats it
Rinse the mouth, bathe any contacted skin with soap and water, and keep the dog out of direct sunlight. Call your vet the same day, sooner if blistering, listlessness or repeated vomiting appears.
Common questions
Can a dog get burned just walking through rue?
Only if the plant is crushed or damaged and sap reaches the skin, followed by sunlight. Mowing or trimming rue is when dogs are most at risk.
Why is rue sold as an herb if it is toxic?
Humans use tiny culinary and folk-medicine doses; pets that chew the leaves take far more per kilogram of body weight and lack the tolerance, so the garden plant should be fenced off.
More plants checked for dogs
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.