Pet emergency
My dog ate Hydrangea 'Quick Fire' — what to do
Step by step
- Take hydrangea 'quick fire' 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 hydrangea 'quick fire' — FAQ
Is hydrangea 'quick fire' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hydrangea 'Quick Fire' (Hydrangea paniculata 'Quick Fire') as mildly toxic to dogs. As a Hydrangea paniculata cultivar, Quick Fire contains cyanogenic glycosides in all parts. The ASPCA lists the genus Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy following ingestion.
How serious is it if my dog ate hydrangea 'quick fire'?
Hydrangea 'Quick Fire' 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. As a Hydrangea paniculata cultivar, Quick Fire contains cyanogenic glycosides in all parts. The ASPCA lists the genus Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, with clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhoea, and lethargy following ingestion. 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 hydrangea 'quick fire' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hydrangea 'quick fire' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Hydrangea 'Quick Fire' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide