Are Dogwood Berries Poisonous to Dogs? A Toxicity Guide

Dogwood trees are beautiful additions to many landscapes, boasting vibrant blooms in the spring and colorful berries in the fall. However, if you’re a dog owner, it’s natural to be concerned about the safety of your furry friend around these plants. So, are dogwood berries poisonous to dogs? The answer is somewhat nuanced.

Understanding Dogwood Toxicity

Generally speaking, the toxicity of dogwood plants to dogs is considered low to moderate. While they aren’t among the most dangerous plants for canines, they can still cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. The berries, leaves, and bark all contain compounds that can irritate a dog’s digestive system.

Which Dogwood Varieties?

There are several varieties of dogwood trees, including:

• Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida): The most common type, generally considered mildly toxic.
• Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa): Some sources suggest the fruit of Kousa dogwoods are less toxic and potentially edible for humans (though palatability is debated). However, for dogs, it’s still best to err on the side of caution.
• Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea): Also considered mildly toxic.

Regardless of the specific variety, it’s wise to prevent your dog from consuming any part of a dogwood plant.

Symptoms of Dogwood Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog ingests dogwood berries or other parts of the plant, watch out for the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive drooling
• Abdominal pain

In most cases, symptoms are mild and self-limiting, resolving within 24-48 hours. However, if your dog consumes a large quantity or exhibits severe symptoms, veterinary intervention may be necessary.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Dogwood Berries

1. Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help. Assess the situation and try to determine how much your dog ingested.
2. Remove Access: Prevent your dog from eating any more of the plant.
3. Monitor Your Dog: Keep a close eye on your dog for any signs of illness.
4. Contact Your Veterinarian: Call your vet or an animal poison control center (such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center) immediately. Have information about the type of dogwood (if possible) and the amount ingested.
5. Follow Veterinary Advice: Your vet may recommend monitoring at home, inducing vomiting (do NOT do this without veterinary guidance), or bringing your dog in for examination and treatment.

Prevention is Key

The best way to protect your dog from dogwood poisoning is to prevent them from accessing the plant in the first place. Consider these preventative measures:

• Plant Dogwoods Away from Dog’s Reach: If you have dogwood trees, consider fencing them off or planting them in areas your dog doesn’t frequent.
• Supervise Your Dog: When your dog is in the yard, keep a watchful eye on them and discourage them from chewing on plants.
• Train “Leave It”: Teach your dog the “leave it” command. This can be invaluable for preventing them from picking up potentially harmful items.
• Remove Fallen Berries: Regularly rake up fallen berries to reduce the temptation for your dog.

While dogwood berries aren’t highly toxic, they can still cause unpleasant symptoms in dogs. By understanding the potential risks and taking preventative measures, you can help keep your furry friend safe and healthy.