Is Ragwort Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Senecio species
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (cumulative liver toxins) |
| Onset of symptoms | Liver damage accumulates over repeated exposure rather than a single dose — can take weeks to become apparent |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Liver failure with repeated exposure
Symptoms in cats
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
- Liver failure with repeated exposure
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What to do
A single small ingestion is less urgent than repeated grazing exposure. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause cumulative liver damage — contact a vet especially if a pet has ongoing access to this plant in a pasture or garden bed.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Ragwort is pyrrolizidine alkaloids (cumulative liver toxins).
What makes this plant different
Ragwort is the common name most associated with pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning in grazing animals — a single mouthful rarely causes acute illness, but ongoing access to a Ragwort-infested pasture is a genuine long-term liver risk.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Senecio species
- Family
- Compositae
- Also known as
- Ragwort, Golden Ragwort, Tansy
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control