Is Tansy Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ 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.

Yes, tansy is toxic to dogs. The thujone-loaded leaves and flowers cause vomiting and diarrhea, and bigger meals can trigger tremors.

Also known as: Common Tansy, Golden Buttons, Bitter Buttons, Tanacetum vulgare · Tanacetum vulgare

What makes it toxic

Thujone and related monoterpenes in the aromatic foliage, which irritate the GI tract and depress or stimulate the nervous system at higher doses.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and abdominal pain within hours; with larger ingestions, restlessness, wobbliness, tremors and seizures.

What to do if your dog eats it

Call your vet after a substantial meal of the plant, immediately if neurological signs appear. Early decontamination limits thujone absorption.

Common questions

How much tansy would seriously poison a dog?

A meal of leaves and flowers is enough for significant GI signs; nervous-system effects need more, but there is no reason to find the threshold. Treat ingestion seriously.

Is dried tansy in potpourri dangerous to dogs?

Yes — drying concentrates the oils, and curious dogs chew potpourri. Keep aromatic dried plants out of reach.

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.