My Dog Ate Marigolds What Should I Do?

Did you know that marigolds are one of the most popular annual flowers? They’re easy to grow and provide wonderful bright flowers that add a pop of color to any garden. They can grow in containers, too. They come in a wide range of colors, too—from red, to orange and yellow.

Many have these pretty flowers in the garden to enjoy. But happens if our dog eats a marigold?

Can Dogs Eat Marigolds?

Most species of marigolds are not toxic if eaten; however, there are some types of marigolds that are toxic. The good news is that these plants will only cause stomach upset and/or contact dermatitis if your dog touches the plants.

Even if your dog eats quite a few marigolds, while they may be toxic, they will not cause a life-threatening medical issue.

These are the most common types of marigolds in North America:

• Marigold (Calendula officinalis): is nontoxic, but if a dog eats a lot of these flowers, he could develop stomach and digestive issues.
• Marigold (Tagetes spp., Tagetes erecta, Tagetes patula) are somewhat toxic and can cause stomach issues and skin irritation
• Marigold (Tagetes minuta): is a weed form of the flower, which has a sap that can irritate the skin

Symptoms of Marigold Toxicity in Dogs

If your fur baby does happen to eat the poisonous types of marigold flowers, then you may notice these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Irritation around the eyes and nose
• Red, irritated skin
• Irritation of mucus membranes

Treatment of Marigold Toxicity in Dogs

If you have seen your dog eating marigolds or parts of the plant, then it’s a good idea to call the vet. They’ll have the best advice on what to do next. If the vet advises you to bring your fur baby in, then be sure to take a part of the plant along with you.

The vet will perform a physical exam and run blood work such as a CBC, urinalysis, and fecal analysis to see if disease could be causing your dog’s symptoms. Treatment will depend on how much of the plant your fur baby has eaten, and whether or not the plant material has formed a blockage in the intestines.

The prognosis is excellent for dogs who receive prompt medical care. This is usually not a life-threatening issue, but it’s a good idea to have your canine friend checked by the vet to be sure.