The term "sage" is not exclusive to a single plant but refers to a large group within the genus Salvia, part of the mint family (Lamiaceae). This genus contains over 900 species, ranging from common culinary herbs to ornamental garden plants. The toxicity of sage to pets depends heavily on which specific plant is being referenced. It is crucial to identify the exact species, as their chemical compositions and effects on cats and dogs can vary significantly.
Common Sage, or Garden Sage (Salvia officinalis), is the herb most frequently used in cooking. For pets, this plant is generally considered to have a low level of toxicity. The plant contains essential oils (including thujone and camphor) and volatile compounds that can cause gastrointestinal upset if a significant quantity is ingested. For a dog or cat, consuming a small amount may result in mild symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, consuming a large amount could potentially lead to more severe issues like central nervous system depression. Therefore, while not highly poisonous, it is still advisable to keep this plant out of your pet's reach.
Similar to Common Sage, other culinary sages like Spanish Sage share a comparable chemical profile. They contain the same essential oils in varying concentrations and pose a similar mild risk. The primary concern remains essential oil toxicity, which can irritate a pet's digestive system. The small amounts typically used in cooking are unlikely to cause a major issue if a pet licks or eats a tiny bit, but deliberate ingestion of leaves from the plant should be discouraged and monitored.
The risk profile changes when considering ornamental sages. For instance, Scarlet Sage (Salvia splendens) is a common non-culinary garden plant often considered non-toxic. However, other species may have different properties. A significant exception is White Sage (Salvia apiana), which is used in smudging ceremonies. It has a higher concentration of essential oils and resins, making it more potent and a greater irritant to the digestive tract of pets than common sage. Ingestion of this plant is more likely to cause pronounced vomiting and diarrhea.
It is critical to distinguish true sages (Salvia) from a commonly confused plant known as sagebrush, which belongs to an entirely different genus, Artemisia. Plants like Great Basin Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) contain high levels of ketones and monoterpenes, making them more toxic than culinary Salvia. Ingestion of sagebrush can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy in both cats and dogs. This highlights the absolute necessity of correct plant identification when assessing danger to pets.
The most severe risk to pets comes not from the fresh or dried plant itself, but from concentrated sage essential oil. This oil is derived from the plant and contains a highly potent dose of the volatile compounds and ketones like thujone. For cats, who lack the liver enzyme to properly metabolize these compounds, sage oil is extremely dangerous and can lead to liver failure, central nervous system issues (such as tremors and seizures), and even death. For dogs, the oil is also highly toxic and can cause similar severe symptoms. Sage essential oil in any form—diffused, topical, or undiluted—should never be used around pets.
