Pet safety
Is Japanese Apricot toxic to dogs?
Prunus mume
Yes — japanese apricot 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. Prunus mume belongs to the genus the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (e.g. Apricot, Plum, Cherry). The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves and seeds (kernels), most dangerous when wilting. Signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep prunings and pits away from pets.
What to do if your dog ate japanese apricot
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move japanese apricot out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of japanese apricot to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten japanese apricot, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is japanese apricot toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is japanese apricot toxic to dogs?
Yes — japanese apricot is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Prunus mume belongs to the genus the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (e.g. Apricot, Plum, Cherry). The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves and seeds (kernels), most dangerous when wilting. Signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep prunings and pits away from pets.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats japanese apricot?
Prunus mume belongs to the genus the ASPCA lists as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (e.g. Apricot, Plum, Cherry). The toxic principle is cyanogenic glycosides in the stems, leaves and seeds (kernels), most dangerous when wilting. Signs include brick-red gums, dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing and shock. Keep prunings and pits away from pets. 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 japanese apricot.
What should I do if my dog ate japanese apricot?
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 japanese apricot toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese Apricot is toxic to cats as well. See the full japanese apricot pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to japanese apricot?
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 japanese apricot pet-safety
- Is japanese apricot toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is japanese apricot toxic to cats?
- My dog ate japanese apricot — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete japanese apricot care guide