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If your dog ate lonicera japonica — 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 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Lonicera japonica is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Lonicera japonica — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take lonicera japonica 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.

My dog ate lonicera japonica — FAQ

Is lonicera japonica poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Lonicera japonica (Lonicera japonica) as mildly toxic to dogs. Lonicera is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA (its 'Honeysuckle Fuchsia' entry is the unrelated Fuchsia), and the berries of Japanese honeysuckle are reported to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, with the genus containing saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets from the berries and foliage, and verify with a vet if eaten.

How serious is it if my dog ate lonicera japonica?

Lonicera japonica 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. Lonicera is not affirmatively listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA (its 'Honeysuckle Fuchsia' entry is the unrelated Fuchsia), and the berries of Japanese honeysuckle are reported to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, with the genus containing saponins and cyanogenic glycosides. Treat as mildly toxic, keep pets from the berries and foliage, and verify with a vet if eaten. 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 lonicera japonica well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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