How poisonous are hydrangeas to dogs? Tips and Tricks

Signs of Hydrangeas Poisoning in Dogs

With plants continuously ranking on the ASPCAs top 10 pet toxins list, its important to know what signs of poisoning to look for if your dog has gotten into hydrangeas.

When it comes to hydrangea poisoning, Schmid says the most typical symptoms are those related to gastrointestinal (GI) irritation.

“Vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea are most common to see,” she says. “If true cyanide poisoning were to occur, signs include: hypotension, brick-red gum coloring, heart rhythm abnormalities, almond-flavored breath, hyperventilation, difficulty breathing, low oxygen levels, cyanosis, ataxia, and tremors/seizures.”

What Happens if a Dog Eats Hydrangea?

How poisonous are hydrangeas to dogs?

Warning signs, such as vomiting after eating hydrangea, might be evident around 30 minutes after ingesting the plant. Hydrangea poisoning is dose-dependent, meaning your pup would need to eat a certain amount of the plant to be in danger of poisoning. Smaller dogs will get ill from smaller amounts, while larger dogs would need to ingest more hydrangea to cause ill effects.

Unlike other toxic plants, a dog would need to consume a large quantity of hydrangea to cause a serious problem. This means in most cases the dog may experience either no symptoms or very mild symptoms. A dog with pre-existing medical problems may be more vulnerable to side effects as a result of eating hydrangea.

If you have seen vomiting or noticed loose stools you might also notice they have a reduced or poor appetite. Digestive upset can lead to fluid loss through drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and some dogs may become dehydrated.

In rare cases where a significant amount of plant is eaten, more serious symptoms may be seen such as lethargy, confusion, and depression. This is much less likely, though it is best to be vigilant for these more serious symptoms.

What Are The Symptoms Of Hydrangea Poisoning In Pets?

Any component of the hydrangea plant can poison dogs and cats. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in cats include:

Are hydrangeas poisonous to dogs?