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Pet safety

Is Ashy Broom toxic to dogs?

Genista cinerea

Toxic to dogs

Yes — ashy broom is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods.

What to do if your dog ate ashy broom

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move ashy broom out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of ashy broom to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten ashy broom, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is ashy broom toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is ashy broom toxic to dogs?

Yes — ashy broom is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats ashy broom?

Genista species contain quinolizidine alkaloids including cytisine, the same toxic principle found in Laburnum. Ingestion by dogs or cats can cause vomiting, hypersalivation, weakness, incoordination, and in larger doses cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Keep pets away from plant material and seed pods. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to ashy broom.

What should I do if my dog ate ashy broom?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is ashy broom toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Ashy Broom is toxic to cats as well. See the full ashy broom pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to ashy broom?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full ashy broom pet-safety