Are Marigolds Safe for Dogs? An In-Depth Look at the Risks and Benefits

As a dog lover and avid gardener, I‘m always looking for ways to create a beautiful outdoor space that‘s also safe for my furry family members. Marigolds are one of my favorite flowers to plant thanks to their cheerful colors and easy-going nature. But as much as I love them, I couldn‘t help but wonder: are marigolds poisonous to dogs?

I did some digging (pun intended) to get to the root of the matter. Here‘s what I found out about marigolds and dog safety, with expert input from veterinarians and animal poison control specialists.

What Are Marigolds?

Marigolds are annual flowering plants in the aster family. There are over 50 species, but the types most commonly planted in home gardens are:

• French marigolds (Tagetes patula)
• African marigolds (Tagetes erecta)
• Signet marigolds (Tagetes tenuifolia)

These cheery flowers bloom in shades of yellow, orange, and rusty red from late spring through fall. They‘re prized for their compact growth habit, prolific flowers, and tolerance of heat and dry conditions.

Marigolds are also popular for companion planting. Many gardeners grow them alongside vegetables to deter pests. Certain compounds in marigolds are toxic to microscopic worms called nematodes that damage plant roots.

Marigold Toxicity to Dogs

According to the ASPCA, marigolds are not considered toxic to dogs. They are included on the organization‘s list of plants that are safe for pets.1

However, this doesn‘t mean marigolds are completely harmless. Dr. Jamie Richardson, medical chief of staff at Small Door Veterinary in New York City, says marigolds can cause mild skin and gastrointestinal irritation in some dogs.2

"Marigolds contain phytochemicals called terpenes that can be irritating to a dog‘s skin and digestive tract," Dr. Richardson explains. "While serious toxicity is unlikely, it‘s best to keep dogs from directly eating marigold plants."

Skin Irritation

The essential oils and sap in marigolds can cause contact dermatitis, an allergic skin reaction. Dogs with sensitive skin may develop symptoms like:

• Red, itchy bumps or rash
• Swelling
• Excessive scratching or licking at the affected area

A 2018 study published in Contact Dermatitis found that the terpenes linalool and limonene in marigolds were responsible for allergic reactions in several dogs.3 While this type of reaction is relatively rare, it‘s something to be aware of if you grow marigolds and have a dog prone to skin issues.

Gastrointestinal Upset

Eating marigold flowers or leaves may cause digestive irritation in some dogs, especially if they consume a large amount. Dr. Ahna Brutlag, a board-certified veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, says the most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea.4

"Gastrointestinal issues from eating marigolds are usually mild and self-limiting," says Dr. Brutlag. "But if your dog vomits repeatedly, has excessive diarrhea, seems lethargic, or you‘re concerned for any reason, call your veterinarian."

Fortunately, severe reactions to eating marigolds are not common in dogs. The Pet Poison Helpline ranks marigold toxicity as mild to moderate.4

Data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center shows marigold ingestion accounted for just 0.15% of all calls about plant exposures in dogs from 2009-2013.5 By comparison, the top offenders were inedible objects like mulch and plant bulbs.

Marigolds vs. Other Garden Plants

While marigolds aren‘t likely to cause serious harm, there are plenty of other common ornamental plants that are highly toxic to dogs. Some of the most dangerous include:

• Lily of the valley
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Autumn crocus
• Chrysanthemum
• English ivy
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea

If you have a dog, it‘s critical to research any plants before adding them to your garden. The ASPCA website has an extensive list of toxic and non-toxic plants for quick reference.1

When in doubt, err on the side of caution. Many dogs are tempted to chew on leafy greens and colorful flowers. Ingesting even non-toxic plants can lead to tummy troubles if Fido eats a large amount.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

As a responsible dog owner, preventing your pup from trampling and snacking on your prized marigolds is key. After all, you work hard on your garden – the last thing you want is for your canine companion to mistake it for an all-you-can-eat salad bar!

Trust me, I learned this the hard way. One summer, my mischievous lab mix discovered she could slip behind the gate and go on a marigold-munching spree while I wasn‘t looking. I caught her red-pawed with petals on her snout more than once. Thankfully she never got sick, but I had to step up my garden security.

Here are some of my top tips for protecting your marigolds (and other plants) from curious canines:

• Erect garden fencing. A decorative barrier around flower beds keeps your dog from accessing plants. Make sure it‘s sturdy enough to stand up to an enthusiastic digger or jumper.

• Train your pooch. Teaching your dog to respond to commands like "leave it" can stop them from sampling garden greenery. Use positive reinforcement techniques and be consistent.

• Apply repellent scents. Surround your marigolds with strong smells that deter dogs, like citrus peels, hot pepper, or coffee grounds. Avoid getting repellents directly on the flowers.

• Create a dog-friendly space. If your pup loves to dig, give them their own sandbox where they can excavate to their heart‘s content. Include dog-safe plants in your landscaping, like wheat grass or catnip (yes, really – some dogs go crazy for it!).

• Don‘t leave dogs unsupervised. Even the most well-behaved pup can get into mischief in the garden. If you‘re not able to keep a close eye, consider limiting your dog‘s access to the yard while your marigolds are in bloom.

Marigold Extract for Dogs

Interestingly, while marigold flowers can cause mild irritation, extracts from a different species of marigold are sometimes used in veterinary medicine.

Calendula officinalis, also known as pot marigold or English marigold, has a long history of use in herbal healing. Calendula oil and ointments are applied topically to soothe minor skin irritations, cuts, scrapes, and burns on both humans and pets.6

Research shows calendula has potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties.7 One study found a calendula ointment promoted faster healing of surgical wounds in dogs compared to a placebo.8

Calendula may also have benefits when taken orally for gastrointestinal issues in dogs. A 2013 study in BMC Veterinary Research tested a calendula extract on dogs with inflammatory bowel disease. The herbal treatment helped reduce symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.9

However, it‘s important to note that herbal remedies like calendula are not without risks. They can cause side effects and interact with other medications. Never give your dog calendula or any supplement without consulting your veterinarian first. They can determine if it‘s safe and appropriate for your individual pet.

The Bottom Line

In most cases, marigolds do not pose a serious poisoning risk to dogs. They can cause a mild skin reaction or gastrointestinal upset if eaten, but severe toxicity is rare.

The best approach is prevention – use training, barriers, and repellents to keep your dog away from your marigold patch. Supervise your pup in the yard, and seek veterinary care if you notice any worrisome symptoms like persistent vomiting or diarrhea.

While annual garden marigolds can cause irritation, calendula oil from English marigolds may actually benefit dogs when used properly. Topical calendula can help soothe skin issues, while oral extracts show promise for treating inflammatory bowel disease. Just be sure to get your vet‘s approval before giving your dog any herbal treatment.

As a dog lover myself, I know we all want our canine companions to be safe while enjoying the great outdoors. With a little know-how and preparation, you can protect your pup and maintain a gorgeous marigold display. Happy gardening!