Is Water Hemlock Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Cicuta maculata
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cicutoxin |
| Onset of symptoms | Within an hour — often described as the most acutely toxic plant native to North America |
| 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.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Drooling
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Respiratory failure
Symptoms in cats
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Respiratory failure
Symptoms in horses
- Seizures
- Colic
- Respiratory failure
Advertisement
What to do
Emergency vet care immediately. Water Hemlock is frequently cited as the single most acutely poisonous plant in North America — the root is especially concentrated and easily mistaken for edible wild parsnip or celery root.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Water Hemlock is cicutoxin.
What makes this plant different
Water Hemlock is frequently described by toxicologists as the single most acutely poisonous plant native to North America — its root closely resembles edible wild parsnip or wild carrot root, which is the primary way accidental exposures happen.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Cicuta maculata
- Family
- Apiaceae
- Also known as
- Water Hemlock, cowbane, poison parsnip
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Bishop's Weed
Ammi majus
Cilantro
Coriandrum sativum
Cow parsnip
Heracleum maximum
Cowbane
Cicuta species
Dill
Anethum graveolena
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control