Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Are marigolds poisonous to dogs? Not all marigolds are harmful to dogs, but some are poisonous. There are dog-friendly marigold varieties with medicinal benefits, so it’s important for pet owners to differentiate between them.
In this article, we will help you identify what types of marigolds are safe or hazardous to your canine friend.
What Is Marigold Poisoning?
Marigold poisoning takes place when dogs come into contact with or ingest any marigold plant belonging to the Tagetes species.
Dog owners should note that not all plants with the name Marigold are from the Tagetes group.
A good example of this is the pot marigold (Calendula officinalis). This ornamental flower is also known as calendula, ruddles, gold bloom, holligold, common marigold, and garden marigold.
As you can see, the pot marigold’s scientific name is completely different from the true marigold. Although these plants are a part of the Asteraceae family, each of them is from a different genus.
Why Is It Important to Distinguish These Plants Apart?
Marigolds in the calendula species are nontoxic to dogs. Not only that, but they also offer several medicinal benefits, such as:
- Easing inflammations
- Soothing irritated and itchy skin
- Accelerating wound healing
- Relieving fungal or bacterial infections
Pawrents interested in using calendula for canine home remedies must learn how to tell this plant apart from true marigolds. Otherwise, they might choose the wrong plant and accidentally subject their dogs to its unsavory side effects.
Pot marigolds do not cause poisoning, but ingesting large amounts of their plant matter can cause stomach upset in dogs. So it remains necessary to keep your furry pal from snacking on them.
Moreover, the calendula plant has harmful adverse reactions on pregnant dogs that are not related to poisoning. When consumed, it can induce uterine contractions, leading to premature labor.
Identifying Safe Marigolds from Toxic Marigolds for Dogs
Here are 2 ways to determine the types of marigolds that can and cannot be grown around your pooch:
Check their scientific names.
When sowing seeds in your garden, check the seed packets for scientific names or binomial nomenclature.
As we have pointed out, true marigolds in the Tagetes genus are poisonous to dogs. These include:
- African marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
- Wild marigolds (Tagetes minuta)
Do not use seed packets that contain any of these plants. To be safe, avoid buying seed packets that have no binomial nomenclature printed on them.
Inspect the appearance and odor of the plant.
Pot marigolds and true marigolds differ in many ways when it comes to physical features and smell. Here are some of their distinctions:
Scent
- True marigolds have a spicy and pungent smell.
- Calendula plants give off a slightly sweet fragrance.
Seeds
- True marigold seeds are straight and black but with white tips.
- Calendula seeds are naturally brown and curved with small bumps.
Flower shape
- True marigold petals are wavy and have a more pronounced rectangular shape with rounded corners.
- Calendula petals are simply long and straight.
Size
- True marigolds grow longer than calendula plants. They can measure up to 4 feet (48 inches) tall.
- Pot marigolds typically stand around 12 to 24 inches (31 to 61 centimeters).
Causes of Marigold Poisoning in Dogs
True marigold flowers produce phototoxic thiophene derivatives that make them mildly toxic to canines.
You might be wondering: “What are the side effects of marigolds on dogs?” The typical side effect of marigolds on dogs is mild irritation upon skin contact due to their harmful phototoxic compounds.
If ingested, they may provoke gastric distress. Fortunately, similar to its dermal side effect, this adverse reaction is often mild and goes away within a few hours.
Symptoms of Marigold Toxicity in Dogs
Some of the common signs that hint that your canine companion has eaten or come into contact with a true marigold plant are:
- Abdominal pain
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Reddened and inflamed skin
- Irritated eyes or nose
Dog owners will be relieved to know that marigold poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs. However, do not ignore this condition should it happen to your dog. Its side effects may not be deadly, but they can be painful and distressing for him.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Eaten a Marigold
A dog that has eaten a true marigold flower must be given a thorough mouth rinse. The water will help remove any harmful compounds left in his mouth.
In case of skin exposure, wash his fur with a mild dog shampoo to prevent skin irritation.
If gastrointestinal symptoms arise, fast your dog for about 12 to 24 hours with the vet’s guidance. But provide him with small amounts of water throughout the day.
Do not withhold food if your pet is still a puppy or an elderly unless advised by the vet.
Once fasting is over, feed your dog a bland diet to help soothe his digestive tract and prevent it from overworking.
If gastric upset continues to persist for more than 2 days, take him to the vet for treatment. Bring a sample of the marigold plant with you, as it can help with the diagnosis.
Diagnosis of Marigold Poisoning in Dogs
Some symptoms of marigold poisoning are closely similar to other types of toxicities and canine health problems. The vet will give your dog a physical exam coupled with other tests to rule out other possible causes.
A few examinations your furry pal might need to go through are:
- Complete blood work
- Urinalysis
- Fecal analysis
In all cases, the vet will carry out abdominal palpation to check if any plant matter is blocking your dog’s digestive tract.
Treatment of Marigold Poisoning in Dogs
Treating marigold toxicity usually focuses on keeping dogs hydrated while reducing gastrointestinal symptoms and skin irritation. Here are the treatment options the vet may perform:
- Areas of the body that are experiencing dermal reactions will be washed carefully. A topical cream or ointment will be applied after to soothe itchiness and inflammation.
- Antiemetic medications will be prescribed to reduce vomiting symptoms. Cathartic drugs, which accelerate defecation, might be administered too, so dogs will quickly eliminate plant matter.
- IV therapy will be given to dogs, specifically those suffering from persistent diarrhea or vomiting. IV therapy prevents dehydration, protects kidneys from damage, and flushes out toxins from the body.
Prognosis of Marigold Poisoning in Dogs
The prognosis for marigold poisoning is often very good. With prompt treatment, most dogs will be able to recover from the toxic plant’s side effects within a few days.
However, the outcome for dogs with severe poisoning is less favorable. Anticipate the same result for elderly dogs and canines with preexisting health issues.
5 Houseplants That Are Poisonous to Dogs
Many indoor plants that can spruce up your home are dangerous to your pup. Here are a few varieties you should stay away from:
1. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum)
Desert rose contains cardiac glycosides that can cause the heart to malfunction. Ingesting it would cause irregular heart rate, depression, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
2. Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae)
Gastric irritants are the harmful compounds you should look out for in this plant. If consumed, it will induce mild nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness.
3. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
Insoluble calcium oxalates are stored within this plant, causing mouth and skin irritation.
4. Flamingo Flower (Anthurium scherzeranum)
The dangerous compounds found in the flamingo flower are similar to that of the Chinese evergreen. It also triggers the same side effects.
5. Peyote (Lophophora williamsii)
Peyote is not a dog-friendly plant because it generates psychoactive side effects such as hallucinations due to the toxin it harbors called mescaline.
5 Safe Houseplants for Dogs
Here are some dog-safe flowers that you can grow in your home as alternatives to the plants listed above:
- American Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia)
- Lipstick Plant (Aeschynanthus humilis)
- Trailing Begonia (Procris repens)
- Blue Echeveria (Echeveria secunda)
- California Pitcher Plant (Darlingtonia California)
Regardless of their nontoxic nature, these plants should be kept in an inaccessible area to dogs. Although they are technically harmless, consuming them excessively will lead to stomach upset.
The danger is also imminent if your canine companion swallows large chunks of these plants. It can lead to life-threatening stomach obstruction.
FAQs About Marigolds for Dogs
1. Do Dogs Like to Eat Marigolds?
Some dogs might like to eat true marigolds despite their slightly pungent scent. It all boils down to the preference of canines.
Just to be safe, place true marigolds in hanging pots to keep them out of reach of your dog. Or better yet, substitute them with dog-safe plants.
2. Are Marigold Petals Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, marigold petals are poisonous to dogs. Other parts of the plant that can cause toxicity are its leaves, roots, and sap. Be cautious not to let your pooch eat or come into contact with them.
3. Why Is Marigold in Some Dog Food Brands?
Marigold from the Calendula genus is in dog food because of the alleged health benefits it offers to canines.
This plant is believed to be a good source of antioxidants that improve immune system functions. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe digestive upset caused by pro-inflammatory compounds in the body.
4. Are African Marigolds Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, African marigolds are poisonous to dogs. Their scientific name is Tagetes patula, making them true marigolds. If you are thinking of growing them in your garden, consider switching them out with alternative dog-friendly outdoor plants.
Summary
Do not confuse true marigolds for calendula plants. True marigold flowers contain irritants that can cause mild toxicity in dogs. On the other hand, pot marigold or calendula is a canine-friendly plant with therapeutic effects.
If your dog ate true marigolds in copious quantities, he might end up having a bad case of gastric distress. So do what you can to keep these flowers away from him.
Know other plants that can harm your canine companion by checking our Plants section.
