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Pet safety

Is Flowering currant toxic to dogs?

Ribes sanguineum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists flowering currant 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. Ribes sanguineum berries and foliage are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in quantity; gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) has been reported. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but caution is advised. The berries are unpalatable rather than truly hazardous in small amounts.

What to do if your dog ate flowering currant

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

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

Is flowering currant toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is flowering currant toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists flowering currant 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. Ribes sanguineum berries and foliage are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in quantity; gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) has been reported. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but caution is advised. The berries are unpalatable rather than truly hazardous in small amounts.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats flowering currant?

Ribes sanguineum berries and foliage are mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested in quantity; gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhoea) has been reported. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but caution is advised. The berries are unpalatable rather than truly hazardous in small amounts. 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 flowering currant.

What should I do if my dog ate flowering currant?

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 flowering currant toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to flowering currant?

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 flowering currant pet-safety