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If your dog ate damson 'shropshire' — 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 now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Damson 'Shropshire' is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Damson 'Shropshire' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take damson 'shropshire' 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate damson 'shropshire' — FAQ

Is damson 'shropshire' poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Damson 'Shropshire' (Prunus insititia 'Shropshire') as toxic to dogs. Prunus insititia is within the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (Plum and Cherry entries). The foliage, stems and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, producing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. The ripe flesh is used by people, but pits and leaves are dangerous to pets.

How serious is it if my dog ate damson 'shropshire'?

Damson 'Shropshire' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Prunus insititia is within the Prunus genus, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (Plum and Cherry entries). The foliage, stems and stones contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when chewed, producing brick-red gums, dilated pupils, breathing difficulty, panting and shock. The ripe flesh is used by people, but pits and leaves are dangerous to pets. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

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

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

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