Mum Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,316 found this helpful

Mums are verified toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA data

Toxic components include sesquiterpene, lactones, pyrethrins, and other irritants

Common exposure symptoms include digestive distress, incoordination, and dermatitis

FAQ

Is Mum toxic to Humans?

Limited reported toxicity; mild skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset may occur with heavy, prolonged exposure (Low)

Is Mum toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis (Moderate)

Is Mum toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis (Moderate)

Is Mum toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Limited reported toxicity; mild skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset may occur with heavy, prolonged exposure

Cats

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis

Dogs

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis

Horses

Moderate

Vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, incoordination, dermatitis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts, particularly flowers and leaves

Exposure RouteIngestion, direct skin contact, inhalation of plant dust or pollen

Toxic CompoundsSesquiterpene; Lactones; Pyrethrins; Other potential irritants

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove all remaining plant material from the affected animal's mouth and skin immediately
• Rinse skin exposed to plant material with cool, soapy water to reduce irritation risk
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinarian

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or horse has ingested any amount of chrysanthemum plant material
• You observe symptoms including persistent vomiting, incoordination, or inflamed skin
• Symptoms worsen or persist for more than 1 hour after exposure

Prevention

• Keep potted or cut chrysanthemums out of reach of household pets
• Avoid planting chrysanthemums in horse pastures or areas accessible to grazing livestock
• Wear disposable gloves when handling chrysanthemum plants to reduce skin irritation risk

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to absorb unprocessed toxins after ingestion
• Supportive care including IV fluids may be provided to manage dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea
• Topical or oral antihistamines may be prescribed to resolve contact dermatitis symptoms

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameChrysanthemum spp.

AliasesChrysanthemum、Daisy

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkinNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Sesquiterpene, lactones, and pyrethrins act as irritants to skin, mucous membranes, and gastrointestinal tract linings

• Pyrethrin compounds can interfere with nervous system function in sensitive animals, leading to coordination issues

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: Low to moderate toxicity risk; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal upset, drooling, and skin irritation

Sheep: Moderate toxicity risk; repeated large-volume ingestion can lead to mild liver damage in rare cases

Domestic Rabbits: Low toxicity risk; ingestion may trigger mild digestive distress and increased salivation

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Daisy Bellis perennis

Visually similar layered white and yellow flower heads; key difference is common daisies are smaller and carry very low toxicity risk for animals

Marguerite Daisy Argyranthemum frutescens

Nearly identical flower shape and color range; key difference is marguerite daisies have finer, fern-like foliage compared to chrysanthemum's broader, serrated leaves

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Ragwort

Jacobaea vulgaris

High toxicity

Common Tansy

Tanacetum vulgare

Moderate to High toxicity

Yellow Starthistle

Centaurea solstitialis

Severe 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.