Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Dogwood toxic to dogs?

Cornus sanguinea

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dogwood 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. Cornus sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries.

What to do if your dog ate dogwood

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

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

Is dogwood toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is dogwood toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists dogwood 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. Cornus sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats dogwood?

Cornus sanguinea is not listed by ASPCA as highly toxic, but the berries and plant sap contain glycosides and saponins that may cause gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) in cats and dogs if consumed. Classified as mildly toxic — contact your vet if a pet ingests significant quantities of berries. 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 dogwood.

What should I do if my dog ate dogwood?

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 dogwood toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to dogwood?

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 dogwood pet-safety