Pet emergency
My dog ate Elderberry 'Adams' — what to do
Step by step
- Take elderberry 'adams' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- 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 elderberry 'adams' — FAQ
Is elderberry 'adams' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Elderberry 'Adams' (Sambucus canadensis 'Adams') as toxic to dogs. Elderberry (Sambucus) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list. The leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and raw/unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides and a toxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and abdominal pain in cats and dogs. Only fully ripe, cooked berries are used by people — keep pets away from the plant and raw fruit.
How serious is it if my dog ate elderberry 'adams'?
Elderberry 'Adams' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 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. Elderberry (Sambucus) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list. The leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and raw/unripe berries contain cyanogenic glycosides and a toxic alkaloid; ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and abdominal pain in cats and dogs. Only fully ripe, cooked berries are used by people — keep pets away from the plant and raw fruit. 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 elderberry 'adams' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is elderberry 'adams' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Elderberry 'Adams' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide