Pet safety
Is Washington Hawthorntoxic to cats & dogs?
Crataegus phaenopyrum
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Crataegus phaenopyrum
Is washington hawthorn safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags washington hawthorn as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. 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. Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats washington hawthorn?
Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed. 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 washington hawthorn, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate washington hawthorn
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move washington hawthorn 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 washington hawthorn 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 washington hawthorn
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:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Washington Hawthorn and pets — frequently asked questions
Is washington hawthorn toxic to cats?
Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed. 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 washington hawthorn toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Washington Hawthorn (Crataegus phaenopyrum) is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like washington hawthorn is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats washington hawthorn?
Crataegus is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database, so a clear non-toxic claim cannot be made; treat with caution and verify with a vet. The fleshy haw pulp is widely eaten, but like other pome seeds the crushed seeds contain cyanogenic compounds, so discourage pets from chewing large amounts of fruit or seed. 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 washington hawthorn, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate washington hawthorn?
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 washington hawthorn to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to washington hawthorn?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. 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 washington hawthorn care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete washington hawthorn care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.