Is Parsley 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.

Parsley is mildly toxic to dogs. Small amounts are usually fine, but eating much of the plant causes vomiting and diarrhea from psoralens and irritant oils.

Also known as: Garden Parsley, Italian Parsley, Petroselinum crispum · Petroselinum crispum

What makes it toxic

Furanocoumarins (psoralens) and mild essential oils that irritate the gut and can photosensitize skin after large cumulative doses.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea and drooling after eating a substantial amount; repeated large intake can add skin redness in sun-exposed areas.

What to do if your dog eats it

Offer water and monitor after a graze. Call your vet if GI signs continue or your dog has eaten parsley repeatedly in quantity.

Common questions

Can parsley freshen my dog’s breath safely?

A pinch of fresh parsley in food is generally fine and is a folk breath remedy. Keep it to small amounts — the psoralen content is the reason not to overdo it.

Why is spring parsley in my lawn a concern?

Wild spring parsley (Cymopterus) is a different plant with stronger furanocoumarins. Do not let dogs graze either one, and know that lookalikes can be worse.

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.