Pet safety
Is guelder rosetoxic to cats & dogs?
Viburnum opulus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Viburnum opulus
Is guelder rose safe for cats and dogs?
Not entirely — guelder rose is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. It rarely causes serious harm, but chewing it triggers real discomfort, so keep it out of a pet's reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Viburnum opulus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA's toxic-plant list for dogs or cats; however, the raw berries contain viburnin, a mildly toxic compound that causes nausea and vomiting in humans if eaten unripe or in quantity. Cooked berries are traditionally used in jams. Treat with caution around children and pets.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats guelder rose?
Viburnum opulus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA's toxic-plant list for dogs or cats; however, the raw berries contain viburnin, a mildly toxic compound that causes nausea and vomiting in humans if eaten unripe or in quantity. Cooked berries are traditionally used in jams. Treat with caution around children and pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to guelder rose, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate guelder rose
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move guelder rose out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of guelder rose to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to guelder rose
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
guelder rose and pets — frequently asked questions
Is guelder rose toxic to cats?
guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Viburnum opulus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA's toxic-plant list for dogs or cats; however, the raw berries contain viburnin, a mildly toxic compound that causes nausea and vomiting in humans if eaten unripe or in quantity. Cooked berries are traditionally used in jams. Treat with caution around children and pets. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is guelder rose toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, guelder rose (Viburnum opulus) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like guelder rose is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats guelder rose?
Viburnum opulus is not listed as toxic on the ASPCA's toxic-plant list for dogs or cats; however, the raw berries contain viburnin, a mildly toxic compound that causes nausea and vomiting in humans if eaten unripe or in quantity. Cooked berries are traditionally used in jams. Treat with caution around children and pets. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to guelder rose, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate guelder rose?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of guelder rose to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to guelder rose?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full guelder rose care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete guelder rose care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.