Pet emergency
My dog ate Hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry' — what to do
Step by step
- Take hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry' 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 'vanilla strawberry' — FAQ
Is hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry' (Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy' (Vanilla Strawberry)) as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycoside; ingestion typically causes vomiting, depression, and diarrhoea, though serious cyanide poisoning is rare and usually limited to GI upset. Keep clippings and fallen flowers away from pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry'?
Hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry' 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. ASPCA lists Hydrangea as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycoside; ingestion typically causes vomiting, depression, and diarrhoea, though serious cyanide poisoning is rare and usually limited to GI upset. Keep clippings and fallen flowers away from 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 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 'vanilla strawberry' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is hydrangea 'vanilla strawberry' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Hydrangea 'Vanilla Strawberry' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide