Is it toxic to dogs?
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus (syn. Rosmarinus officinalis) · Lamiaceae
Also called Anthos, Garden rosemary
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD includes it among plants safe for dogs. Concentrated rosemary essential oil is a different matter and should stay out of reach.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Rosemary is an evergreen herb with needle-like, aromatic leaves, grown in pots, herb beds and as a low hedge. ASPCA lists it, under the older name Rosmarinus officinalis, as non-toxic to dogs with no toxic principle, and PetMD's list of plants safe for dogs includes it. A dog that brushes against a bush and picks off a sprig is not in danger.
Its strong scent means it often turns up as an essential oil, in candles and in cleaning products. That is a different exposure from the fresh herb. Pet Poison Helpline says essential oil poisoning can affect all species and that the risk is highest for oral exposure, then skin, then breathing. Signs include drooling, vomiting, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Rosemary also grows near look-alikes. Lavender has narrow, gray-green leaves too and is a common companion in herb beds, and ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs (nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite). Check the label on any gift pot before placing it.
If your dog ate rosemary
A few sprigs are not an emergency. ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic, though a large amount of any plant can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your vet if the signs persist or your dog ate a lot. Call right away if your dog swallowed or spilled rosemary essential oil, or if the plant was treated with fertilizer or a pesticide. 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. For oil on the skin, Pet Poison Helpline's essential oil guidance is a bath with liquid dish detergent; call for advice first.
Keeping your dog safe
Rosemary is a good plant for dog-friendly gardens, but keep it at the edge of paths where your dog can brush it without digging it up. A raised herb planter also protects roots and keeps dogs out of the soil.
Store essential oils, diffuser refills, candles and cleaning products away from your dog. Pet Poison Helpline lists signs of essential oil exposure that include drooling, vomiting and lethargy.
Keep an eye on garden fertilizer: the same helpline warns it can contain iron and added pesticides. Another ASPCA-listed non-toxic herb is basil; lavender is not.
Frequently asked questions
Is rosemary toxic to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists rosemary as non-toxic to dogs. Eating a lot can still cause a mild stomach upset.
Can dogs eat rosemary?
PetMD lists rosemary among plants safe for dogs. The plant is safe to be near, but it is not a necessary part of a dog's diet and should not replace balanced food.
Is rosemary essential oil safe for dogs?
Treat essential oils with care. Pet Poison Helpline says they can affect all species and that oral exposure carries the highest risk. Keep oils out of reach and call your vet if one is swallowed.
Is lavender safe if rosemary is?
No. ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, with nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite. Rosemary being safe does not make its herb-bed neighbors safe.
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