Agastache, also known as giant hyssop or hummingbird mint, is a genus of aromatic herbaceous plants in the mint family Lamiaceae. The genus contains around 20 species, which are native to eastern and western North America. Some common Agastache species include anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Korean mint (Agastache rugosa), and lemon beebalm (Agastache mexicana).
Agastache plants are prized for their attractive flowers, fragrant foliage, and uses in herbal medicine. However, some species contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. In this article, we’ll explore whether Agastache is toxic to canines and how to keep dogs safe around these popular garden plants.
Are Agastache Plants Toxic to Dogs?
Certain species of Agastache contain compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can be toxic to dogs if ingested. However, the toxicity levels can vary between different Agastache species. Here’s a breakdown:
Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) contains low levels of PAs and is generally considered non-toxic to dogs when ingested in small amounts. According to the ASPCA, anise hyssop has not been associated with livestock poisonings.
However, dogs that consume very large amounts of anise hyssop foliage over an extended period may potentially develop liver damage or other health issues from PA toxicity. Monitor your pet closely if they ingest more than incidental amounts of this plant.
Korean Mint
Korean mint (Agastache rugosa) contains higher PA levels than anise hyssop. While there’s limited research on its toxicity to dogs specifically, studies have found it can cause liver lesions in other animals when administered in extremely high doses over time.
It’s best to consider Korean mint potentially toxic to dogs. Avoid planting it if you have pets that tend to eat plants indiscriminately. Supervise dogs around Korean mint and contact your vet if significant ingestion occurs.
Lemon Beebalm
Lemon beebalm (Agastache mexicana) also contains PAs and should be considered potentially toxic to canines. Limited ingestion is unlikely to cause issues, but avoid planting it in areas frequented by dogs prone to munching foliage.
Other Agastache species
The toxicity of other Agastache species like giant hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia) is not well studied. It’s best to err on the side of caution and restrict access for dogs until more research is available. Some sources list giant hyssop as toxic to livestock.
In summary, anise hyssop generally poses low toxicity risks for dogs when ingested in small amounts. But other Agastache species may be more problematic due to higher PA content. Restrict access for dogs prone to indiscriminate plant eating.
Toxicity Symptoms in Dogs
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are toxic to the liver over time. Dogs who ingest moderate to large amounts of PA-containing plants may exhibit these signs:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy, weakness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Severe liver dysfunction or failure
- Internal bleeding
- Neurological signs like tremors, seizures, or coma (rare)
In some cases, the liver damage from PAs may not cause symptoms until several weeks after ingestion. If your dog ate a significant amount of any Agastache recently, monitor their health closely and contact your vet at the first sign of problems. Prompt treatment improves the prognosis.
How Much is Toxic?
The toxic dose of Agastache depends on the plant species, the dog’s size, and other factors. Anise hyssop is generally less toxic than other Agastache plants.
As a rough guideline from limited available research:
- Ingestion of around 0.5% of the dog’s body weight in anise hyssop leaves over 30-60 days could potentially cause toxicity.
- For a 20 lb dog, that’s about 2 ounces of leaves eaten over a month.
- Other Agastache plants may be toxic at lower doses.
However, these numbers are extrapolated estimates only. The amount needed to make an individual dog sick can vary considerably. Some dogs eat Agastache with no issues. When in doubt, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
Is Agastache Safe for Dogs in Other Ways?
While Agastache leaves and stems can be problematic if eaten in quantity, these plants don’t pose much toxicity risk to dogs in other ways when used cautiously:
As an Essential Oil
Anise hyssop and Korean mint essential oils are sometimes used in dog shampoos, sprays, or other products. Properly diluted essential oils are usually safe for topical use on dogs when following product instructions carefully. But essential oils should never be given internally to pets unless under veterinary supervision.
Dried Agastache
Using small amounts of dried Agastache leaves for tea or in herbal dog treats is generally not a concern. The drying process helps remove volatile compounds like PAs. But avoid using large proportions of Agastache in homemade dog foods or remedies.
In Areas Dogs Can’t Access
Growing Agastache in pots or gardens that dogs can’t get into eliminates the risk of toxicity from chewing the plants. Using fencing or plant cages to restrict access is a good option for dog owners who want to grow Agastache safely.
As long as dogs can’t freely eat Agastache foliage, the plants pose minimal toxicity risk. Supervise dogs in yards where Agastache grows and train them to avoid chewing on or eating plants.
Safe Alternatives for Dogs
If you’re unsure about growing Agastache around dogs prone to plant-chewing, some safe minty alternatives include:
- Catmint
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Pennyroyal
- Lavender
- Lemon balm
- Rosemary
These aromatic plants contain very low levels of toxins and won’t harm dogs that nibble on the leaves. Catmint is especially popular, as most dogs love the smell and taste.
You can also choose non-minty herb plants like thyme, oregano, basil, sage, and parsley that are safe for dogs. Provide plenty of appropriate chew toys as an alternative to satisfy your pet’s oral explorations.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Agastache
If you catch your dog munching on Agastache or notice possible symptoms, here are important steps to take:
- Identify the Agastache species if possible, and estimate the amount eaten.
- Contact your vet or a poison control hotline immediately.
- They may advise inducing vomiting unless it’s been over 2 hours since ingestion.
- Bring a sample of the chewed plant with you to the vet.
- The veterinarian will check for toxicity symptoms and may do blood work.
- Treatment may include IV fluids, liver protectants, and other supportive care.
- Monitor your dog closely for any signs of toxicity over the next 2-3 weeks.
With prompt veterinary care, most dogs recover fully from minor Agastache ingestion. But delayed treatment could allow irreversible liver damage to occur. Always err on the side of caution and seek advice whenever a dog eats a potentially toxic plant. Prevention through plant avoidance or restricting access is the best medicine when it comes to canine safety around Agastache species.
Key Takeaways
- Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) generally poses low toxicity risks for dogs.
- Korean mint, lemon beebalm, and other Agastache plants contain higher levels of toxic compounds and should be kept away from dogs.
- Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and liver dysfunction can occur after several weeks if a dog eats a large amount.
- Using small amounts of dried Agastache or keeping the plants in dog-proof areas are safer options for pet owners.
- Minty herbs like catmint and spearmint make good dog-friendly substitutes.
- Prompt veterinary care is vital if a dog shows any signs of Agastache toxicity.
While the toxicity risk is relatively low for anise hyssop, it’s smart to exercise caution and keep all Agastache species away from dogs with indiscriminate plant-chewing habits. With some common sense precautions, you can safely grow these beautiful perennials even with pets around your yard. Monitor for any ingestion and enjoy their ornamental flowers and fragrance without worry.
The Bottom Line
Most Agastache plants contain compounds that could cause toxicity if large amounts are eaten by dogs over time. Anise hyssop is generally the safest variety. To be cautious, restrict access to Agastache for dogs prone to chewing on plants, and supervise them when around these mint family members. Seek prompt veterinary care if you suspect your dog has eaten a significant quantity. With smart precautions, Agastache can enhance your garden without putting your pets at risk.
