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Pet safety

Is Butterfly bush toxic to dogs?

Buddleja davidii

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists butterfly bush 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. Buddleja davidii is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus contains iridoid glycosides and is considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant quantities, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Unlikely to cause serious harm from casual contact. Caution advised around pets that chew foliage.

What to do if your dog ate butterfly bush

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

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

Is butterfly bush toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is butterfly bush toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists butterfly bush 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. Buddleja davidii is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus contains iridoid glycosides and is considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant quantities, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Unlikely to cause serious harm from casual contact. Caution advised around pets that chew foliage.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats butterfly bush?

Buddleja davidii is not individually listed by ASPCA, but the genus contains iridoid glycosides and is considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in significant quantities, potentially causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Unlikely to cause serious harm from casual contact. Caution advised around pets that chew foliage. 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 butterfly bush.

What should I do if my dog ate butterfly bush?

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 butterfly bush toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to butterfly bush?

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 butterfly bush pet-safety