Borage Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 2 min read| 3,957 found this helpful

Borage officinalis

Borage is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses via ingestion or skin contact

Its documented toxic compounds per ASPCA records are tannins and mucilage

Exposure typically causes mild gastrointestinal distress and contact dermatitis

FAQ

Is Borage toxic to Humans?

No severe toxicity reported in humans; sensitive individuals may experience mild skin irritation on contact (Low)

Is Borage toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis (Low)

Is Borage toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis (Low)

Is Borage toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No severe toxicity reported in humans; sensitive individuals may experience mild skin irritation on contact

Cats

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis

Horses

Low

Vomiting, diarrhea, contact dermatitis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts, especially leaves and flowers, are considered potentially toxic

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, direct skin contact with foliage or plant sap

Toxic CompoundsTannins; Mucilage

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining plant material from the exposed animal's mouth immediately if ingested
• Rinse affected skin with cool, soapy water if contact dermatitis is suspected
• Monitor closely for onset of vomiting, diarrhea, or skin redness in the first 2 hours post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• Vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than 2 hours post-exposure
• Severe skin swelling, blistering, or extreme itching develops after contact
• Animal shows signs of lethargy, loss of appetite, or respiratory distress

Prevention

• Keep potted borage or garden plantings out of reach of pets and grazing horses
• Wear protective gardening gloves when handling borage to avoid skin irritation
• Remove wild borage growth from pastures, pet enclosures, and common play areas

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive fluid therapy to correct dehydration from prolonged gastrointestinal upset
• Topical corticosteroid administration to reduce contact dermatitis symptoms
• Vet-directed anti-emetic use to control persistent vomiting episodes

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameBorage officinalis

AliasesStarflower

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Tannins irritate gastrointestinal mucosal linings, leading to vomiting and diarrhea

• Plant sap and mucilage trigger localized allergic inflammatory responses on skin contact, causing dermatitis

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Mild gastrointestinal irritation reported after accidental ingestion of large quantities of borage foliage

Sheep: Very low risk, only minor transient skin irritation observed after prolonged contact with wild borage stands

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Comfrey Symphytum officinale

Both have fuzzy broad leaves and blue bell-shaped flowers; comfrey contains high levels of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, unlike borage's primary tannin and mucilage toxins

Wood Forget-me-not Myosotis sylvatica

Both produce small bright blue star-shaped flowers; forget-me-not is non-toxic to most animals, and has much smaller, smooth foliage compared to borage's large fuzzy leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Moderate toxicity

Garden Heliotrope

Heliotropium arborescens

High toxicity

Common Bugloss

Anchusa officinalis

Low toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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