Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Amaryllidaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is chives toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Critical, level 4 of 4.

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Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include vomiting, anemia (pale gums), blood in the urine, weakness, fast heartbeat, panting, weak pulse, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and trouble breathing. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Amaryllidaceae plants toxic to pets

Chives belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about chives and pets

Is chives toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists chives as toxic to cats.

Is chives toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists chives as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats chives?

Signs include vomiting, anemia (pale gums), blood in the urine, weakness, fast heartbeat, panting, weak pulse, wobbliness or poor coordination, collapse and trouble breathing. Plant Smart rates it Critical, level 4 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

What else is chives called?

Chives is also sold or known as wild chives and giant chives.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.