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Is Chinese witch hazel toxic to dogs?

Hamamelis mollis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese witch hazel 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. Hamamelis (witch hazel) is not specifically listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA for companion animals. The bark and leaves contain tannins which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Exercise caution with pets that chew woody plants.

What to do if your dog ate chinese witch hazel

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

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

Is chinese witch hazel toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is chinese witch hazel toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists chinese witch hazel 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. Hamamelis (witch hazel) is not specifically listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA for companion animals. The bark and leaves contain tannins which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Exercise caution with pets that chew woody plants.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats chinese witch hazel?

Hamamelis (witch hazel) is not specifically listed as toxic or non-toxic by ASPCA for companion animals. The bark and leaves contain tannins which may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested in quantity. Exercise caution with pets that chew woody plants. 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 chinese witch hazel.

What should I do if my dog ate chinese witch hazel?

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 chinese witch hazel toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Chinese witch hazel is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full chinese witch hazel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to chinese witch hazel?

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 chinese witch hazel pet-safety