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Pet safety

Is Common Gorse toxic to dogs?

Ulex europaeus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — common gorse 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. Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate common gorse

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

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

Is common gorse toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common gorse toxic to dogs?

Yes — common gorse is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common gorse?

Gorse seeds and foliage contain quinolizidine alkaloids, principally cytisine, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and livestock. Symptoms of ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle weakness, and in severe cases neurological signs. Seek veterinary advice immediately if ingestion is suspected. 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 gorse.

What should I do if my dog ate common gorse?

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 gorse toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to common gorse?

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 gorse pet-safety