§ Toxic plants · Amaranthaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is Mexican tea toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Mexican tea (Chenopodium ambrosioides) 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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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure and trouble breathing. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. 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 Amaranthaceae plants toxic to pets
Mexican tea belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about Mexican tea and pets
Is Mexican tea toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists Mexican tea as toxic to cats.
Is Mexican tea toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists Mexican tea as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats Mexican tea?
Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure and trouble breathing. Eaten in quantity, it can be fatal. 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 Mexican tea called?
Mexican tea is also sold or known as wormseed.