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Is Common Broom toxic to dogs?

Cytisus scoparius

Toxic to dogs

Yes — common 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. Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous.

What to do if your dog ate common broom

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

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

Is common broom toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common broom toxic to dogs?

Yes — common broom is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common broom?

Cytisus scoparius contains quinolizidine alkaloids including sparteine and cytisine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Pet Poison Helpline classifies Scotch broom as toxic; symptoms include vomiting, weakness, incoordination, and cardiovascular effects. All parts of the plant should be considered hazardous. 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 common broom.

What should I do if my dog ate common 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 common broom toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to common 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 common broom pet-safety