Is chamomile poisonous to dogs and cats?

Updated 2026-09-30 · 1 sources

Based on: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

Call a vet today

Chamomile is poisonous to dogs and cats – call your vet today for advice if your pet has eaten any of it. The leaves are listed as poisonous.

Dogs Call a vet today
Cats Call a vet today

What to do now

What to do right now

Call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
Note which plant, which part, how much and when.
Remove what is left and move the plant out of reach.
Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
Keep your pet calm.

Don't

Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Do not give your pet any human medicine.

Why it can be dangerous

Chamomile is listed as a problem for cats and dogs; listed poison symptoms include contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and allergic reactions.^[1]

Signs to watch for

Skin irritation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Allergic reactions
Increased risk of bleeding with long-term use

Scientific name: Chamaemelum
Poisonous parts: leaves

If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure or can't stand up: go to the nearest vet now.

Not sure how serious it is?

OkPaw asks a few quick questions about your pet and tells you in 30 seconds whether it can wait. Free on Google Play for Android.

OkPaw is on Android now – an iPhone version is on its way.

Common questions

Is chamomile a problem for cats and dogs?

Yes. Chamomile is listed as a problem for both cats and dogs.^[1]

What signs are listed after chamomile exposure?

The listed signs are contact dermatitis, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and allergic reactions. Long-term use can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.^[1]

Sources

NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox

How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages