Pet emergency
My dog ate Henry's honeysuckle — what to do
Step by step
- Take henry's honeysuckle 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 henry's honeysuckle — FAQ
Is henry's honeysuckle poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Henry's honeysuckle (Lonicera henryi) as mildly toxic to dogs. The black berries of Lonicera henryi can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets if eaten in quantity. The Lonicera genus is not listed by the ASPCA as severely toxic, but berry ingestion warrants caution. Lonicera henryi is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat the berries as a mild GI irritant for dogs and cats.
How serious is it if my dog ate henry's honeysuckle?
Henry's honeysuckle 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. The black berries of Lonicera henryi can cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea) in pets if eaten in quantity. The Lonicera genus is not listed by the ASPCA as severely toxic, but berry ingestion warrants caution. Lonicera henryi is not individually listed by the ASPCA; treat the berries as a mild GI irritant for dogs and cats. 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 henry's honeysuckle well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is henry's honeysuckle toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Henry's honeysuckle and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide