Is Rosemary Poisonous to Dogs or Cats?

Is rosemary toxic to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, the former name of Salvia rosmarinus) as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses, and PetMD lists rosemary among the herbs that are safe for dogs. Essential oils are a separate question, covered below.

Is rosemary toxic to cats?

No. The ASPCA lists Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as non-toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and PetMD lists rosemary among plants that are safe for cats. Essential oils are a separate question, covered below.

Known caveats

The plant and its essential oil are not the same product. The ASPCA and PetMD entries above are for the plant. For concentrated oils, vet sources give separate warnings: Pet Poison Helpline says the concentrated products are the primary culprit in essential-oil toxicities (source), and the Merck Veterinary Manual says concentrated essential oils should never be directly applied to pets (source).

The Merck Veterinary Manual says cats are more sensitive to essential oils because they are deficient in the enzyme glucuronyl transferase (source), and PetMD says cats do not have the liver enzymes needed to break the oils down (source).

PetMD lists rosemary among essential oils "often considered safer for dogs," but says never to apply essential oils directly to a dog's skin, coat or mouth and to consult your veterinarian before introducing any essential oil product (source). None of the oil pages we read singles out rosemary oil as toxic, and none says it is safe for cats, so we do not make either claim.

For the plant itself, PetMD says non-toxic plants can still cause mild digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea if a dog eats a large amount (source), and vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite in cats (source).

Symptoms to watch for

The ASPCA page lists no toxic principle or clinical signs for the plant. Signs from essential oils are different from plant upset and are listed for oils in general.

In dogs

• If a dog eats a large amount of the plant: mild digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea (PetMD).
• If a dog is exposed to essential oils in general: the Merck Veterinary Manual lists vomiting, lethargy, drooling, ataxia (a wobbly gait) and anorexia, so call a vet right away.

In cats

• If a cat eats a large amount of the plant: vomiting, diarrhea and a poor appetite (PetMD).
• If a cat is exposed to essential oils in general: PetMD lists drooling, vomiting, tremors, an unsteady gait, lethargy and respiratory distress; contact a vet right away.

What to do if your dog or cat ate it

1. Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
2. Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
3. Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
5. Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.

Frequently asked questions

Is rosemary toxic to dogs?

No. The ASPCA lists rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD lists it among herbs that are safe for dogs. Concentrated essential oils are a separate matter and should never be applied directly to a dog.

Is rosemary toxic to cats?

No. The ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to cats, and PetMD lists it among plants that are safe for cats. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils, so keep concentrated oils away from them.

Is rosemary essential oil safe for pets?

The vet pages we read do not single out rosemary oil as toxic or as safe for cats. They do say concentrated essential oils should never be applied directly to pets, that cats are especially sensitive, and that PetMD advises consulting your veterinarian before using any essential oil around a dog.

What happens if my dog eats rosemary from the garden?

The ASPCA lists the plant as non-toxic. PetMD says a large amount of a non-toxic plant can still cause mild digestive upset such as vomiting or diarrhea. Call your vet if your dog seems unwell.

Why is rosemary called Salvia rosmarinus now?

The ASPCA page uses the older name Rosmarinus officinalis. Our entry uses the newer name Salvia rosmarinus for the same plant.

Sources

• ASPCA: Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Toxicity line, family and scientific name.
• PetMD: 29 flowers and plants for dogs (reviewed by Jennifer Grota, DVM; updated Mar. 19, 2021): Plant listing and the mild-digestive-upset caveat for dogs.
• PetMD: flowers and plants for cats (reviewed by Melissa Witherell, DVM; updated Mar. 31, 2026): Plant listing and the caveat that non-toxic plants can still upset a cat's stomach.
• PetMD: Essential oils and dogs (reviewed by Barri J. Morrison, DVM; updated Jul. 30, 2024): Rosemary among oils often considered safer for dogs; never apply directly.
• PetMD: Are essential oils safe for cats? (Barri J. Morrison, DVM; Jul. 19, 2023): Why cats are sensitive; signs; what to do.
• Merck Veterinary Manual: Toxicoses from essential oils in animals: Cat sensitivity; concentrated oils; signs.
• Pet Poison Helpline: Essential oils are toxic to dogs: Concentrated products are the main culprit.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.