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Is Oriental Bittersweet toxic to dogs?

Celastrus orbiculatus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — oriental bittersweet 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. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all.

What to do if your dog ate oriental bittersweet

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

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

Is oriental bittersweet toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is oriental bittersweet toxic to dogs?

Yes — oriental bittersweet is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats oriental bittersweet?

Celastrus orbiculatus contains alkaloids and sesquiterpene alkaloids toxic to dogs, cats, and horses, consistent with other Celastrus species listed by the ASPCA as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and cardiovascular effects. Berries are particularly attractive to children — keep away from all. 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 oriental bittersweet.

What should I do if my dog ate oriental bittersweet?

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 oriental bittersweet toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Oriental Bittersweet is toxic to cats as well. See the full oriental bittersweet pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to oriental bittersweet?

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 oriental bittersweet pet-safety