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

§ Toxic plants · Brassicaceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is watercress toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) 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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Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Photo: Masparasol, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

§ 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.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about watercress and pets

Is watercress toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists watercress as toxic to cats.

Is watercress toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists watercress as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats watercress?

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.

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: Masparasol, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons, source.

Checked Oct 2026.