Is it toxic to dogs?
Basil
Ocimum basilicum · Lamiaceae
Also called Sweet basil, Thai basil, Saint Joseph's wort
Non-Toxic to dogs
No. ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD includes it among plants safe for dogs. Concentrated essential oils and dishes made with garlic are the things to keep away from your dog.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Basil is the leafy herb behind pesto and caprese, grown on windowsills, in patio pots and in vegetable beds. ASPCA lists sweet basil, Thai basil and the species Ocimum basilicum as non-toxic to dogs, and PetMD's list of plants safe for dogs includes it. No toxic principle is listed.
A dog that snatches a leaf off the plant is not in danger. The concerns come from what basil is mixed with. Pesto and many sauces contain garlic, which ASPCA warns can irritate a dog's gut and damage red blood cells (see can dogs eat garlic). Concentrated essential oils are a separate category: Pet Poison Helpline says oral exposure to essential oils carries the highest risk of the exposure routes.
Basil also sits in the mint family, which has toxic relatives. ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, with nausea, vomiting and reduced appetite. Herb pots often hold several kinds, so look at each plant, not just the one your dog is sniffing.
If your dog ate basil
A few basil leaves are not an emergency. ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic, though a lot of leafy plant material can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a large amount, or the basil was in a dish with garlic, onion or a lot of oil. Call right away if your dog got into essential oil, which can cause drooling, vomiting and lethargy. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home. Essential oil cases carry a risk of aspiration, and Pet Poison Helpline advises against inducing vomiting.
Keeping your dog safe
Grow basil in a raised planter or hanging pot if your dog likes to dig in the herb bed. Fence off the vegetable garden too, so your dog stays out of fertilizer and other garden products.
Keep a clear separation between culinary herbs and the plants your dog should not eat. Label herb pots, since lavender is toxic and basil is not.
Store essential oils, diffuser refills and cooking oils out of reach. Dishes seasoned with garlic or onion should stay off the floor. Rosemary is another herb ASPCA lists as non-toxic.
Frequently asked questions
Is basil toxic to dogs?
No. ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic to dogs. A leaf or two is not a concern, though a large amount of any plant can upset the stomach.
Can dogs eat basil leaves?
PetMD lists basil among plants safe for dogs. Plain leaves are the safe form; skip pesto and sauces, which often contain garlic.
Is basil essential oil safe for dogs?
Treat concentrated essential oils with caution. Pet Poison Helpline says oral exposure carries the highest risk, so keep oils out of reach and call your vet if one was swallowed.
Is lavender as safe as basil?
No. ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, with nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite among the signs.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy