§ Toxic plants · Lamiaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is oregano toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include vomiting and diarrhea. 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 Lamiaceae plants toxic to pets
Oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about oregano and pets
Is oregano toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists oregano as toxic to cats.
Is oregano toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists oregano as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats oregano?
Signs include vomiting and diarrhea. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 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 oregano called?
Oregano is also sold or known as greek oregano, algerian oregano, italian oregano and russian oregano.