Is it toxic to dogs?
Marigolds
Calendula officinalis and Tagetes spp. · Asteraceae
Also called Pot marigold, Calendula, French marigold, African marigold
Non-Toxic to dogs
It depends on the marigold. Pot marigold (Calendula) is non-toxic to dogs, according to ASPCA. The common bedding marigolds, French and African marigolds (Tagetes), are a mild irritant: Pet Poison Helpline says they may upset the stomach if eaten and their sap may irritate skin.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
"Marigold" names two different garden plants. Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) is the one ASPCA lists under "marigold" (also garden marigold, Mary-bud and gold bloom), and it classifies the plant as non-toxic to dogs, with no toxic principle.
The orange-and-yellow bedding marigolds sold at most garden centers are Tagetes species, known as French and African marigolds. Pet Poison Helpline treats them separately: it says they may cause mild irritation of the gastrointestinal tract when eaten, and that the sap may irritate skin on contact. It describes Calendula as non-toxic if eaten and rates the overall risk for dogs as mild. Neither plant is considered seriously dangerous.
So the answer depends on which marigold you have. If your dog eats a Tagetes, the usual result is a mild upset stomach or some skin irritation; call your vet if it persists. Chrysanthemums, another colorful daisy-family bloom, are a different story: ASPCA lists them as toxic to dogs.
If your dog ate marigolds
A nibbled marigold is rarely more than a minor stomach upset. Pot marigold (Calendula) is listed as non-toxic by ASPCA. French and African marigolds (Tagetes) may cause mild irritation of the stomach, with possible vomiting or diarrhea, and the sap may irritate skin.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a lot, there is skin redness or swelling, or the bed was treated with fertilizer or pesticide. Call right away if you think the flowers were chrysanthemums instead. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Keeping your dog safe
Treat Tagetes as a plant to keep out of reach rather than one to eat, and keep marigold beds on the side of the yard your dog does not patrol. If your dog likes to dig or rub in the bed, fence it or use a border.
Identify what you are planting by checking the tag for the Latin name: Calendula is pot marigold, while Tagetes covers the French and African marigolds.
Store garden fertilizer and pesticides in a locked space. Pet Poison Helpline notes that fertilizers can include added pesticides, and that larger ingestions can cause severe poisoning. Other garden flowers ASPCA lists as non-toxic include roses and sunflowers.
Frequently asked questions
Are marigolds toxic to dogs?
ASPCA lists marigold (pot marigold, Calendula) as non-toxic. Pet Poison Helpline says Tagetes marigolds may cause mild stomach irritation and skin irritation from the sap. Neither is seriously dangerous.
What is the difference between Calendula and Tagetes?
They are different genera. Calendula is pot marigold, which ASPCA lists as non-toxic. Tagetes includes French and African marigolds, which Pet Poison Helpline says may cause mild irritation.
Can marigold sap hurt my dog's skin?
Pet Poison Helpline says the sap may irritate skin on contact. If you see redness, swelling or constant licking after your dog rubbed against marigolds, call your vet.
Are chrysanthemums the same as marigolds?
No. Chrysanthemums are a different daisy-family flower, and ASPCA lists them as toxic to dogs, with vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, incoordination and skin irritation.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy