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If your dog ate common juniper — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Common Juniper is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Common Juniper — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take common juniper away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.

My dog ate common juniper — FAQ

Is common juniper poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Juniper (Juniperus communis) as mildly toxic to dogs. Juniperus communis is classified as mildly toxic (UC Davis class 2) to dogs, cats, and horses. Berries, needles, and stems may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in significant quantity. The ASPCA does not specifically list Juniperus on its main toxic plant pages; however, veterinary sources consistently note mild GI toxicity potential. The berries are traditionally used as a culinary spice (gin flavouring) in small quantities by humans but should not be consumed in large amounts. Keep away from pets that chew on garden plants.

How serious is it if my dog ate common juniper?

Common Juniper is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Juniperus communis is classified as mildly toxic (UC Davis class 2) to dogs, cats, and horses. Berries, needles, and stems may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if ingested in significant quantity. The ASPCA does not specifically list Juniperus on its main toxic plant pages; however, veterinary sources consistently note mild GI toxicity potential. The berries are traditionally used as a culinary spice (gin flavouring) in small quantities by humans but should not be consumed in large amounts. Keep away from pets that chew on garden plants. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my dog vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep common juniper well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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