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Is Hairy Hydrangea toxic to dogs?

Hydrangea involucrata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — hairy hydrangea 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. Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset.

What to do if your dog ate hairy hydrangea

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

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

Is hairy hydrangea toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hairy hydrangea toxic to dogs?

Yes — hairy hydrangea is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hairy hydrangea?

Hydrangea involucrata contains cyanogenic glycosides (amygdalin) throughout all plant parts, consistent with the genus Hydrangea, which the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Ingestion can cause vomiting, lethargy, and gastrointestinal upset. 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 hairy hydrangea.

What should I do if my dog ate hairy hydrangea?

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 hairy hydrangea toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hairy Hydrangea is toxic to cats as well. See the full hairy hydrangea pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hairy hydrangea?

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 hairy hydrangea pet-safety