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Is Blue blossom toxic to dogs?

Ceanothus thyrsiflorus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue blossom as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low.

What to do if your dog ate blue blossom

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move blue blossom 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 blue blossom to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is blue blossom toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is blue blossom toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists blue blossom as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats blue blossom?

Ceanothus species are not individually listed by ASPCA as toxic to cats or dogs, but the genus contains ceanothine and other alkaloids that may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities of plant material are ingested. Treat as mildly toxic as a precautionary measure; the risk of serious harm is considered low. 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 blue blossom.

What should I do if my dog ate blue blossom?

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 blue blossom toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Blue blossom is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full blue blossom pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to blue blossom?

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 blue blossom pet-safety