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Is Red Baneberry toxic to dogs?

Actaea rubra

Toxic to dogs

Yes — red baneberry 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. All parts of Actaea rubra are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The berries contain glycosides and other compounds that cause severe gastroenteritis, cardiac effects, and in large doses can be fatal. The ASPCA lists Actaea (baneberry) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Children are particularly at risk due to the attractive appearance of the berries. Do not grow where unsupervised access is possible.

What to do if your dog ate red baneberry

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

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

Is red baneberry toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is red baneberry toxic to dogs?

Yes — red baneberry is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Actaea rubra are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The berries contain glycosides and other compounds that cause severe gastroenteritis, cardiac effects, and in large doses can be fatal. The ASPCA lists Actaea (baneberry) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Children are particularly at risk due to the attractive appearance of the berries. Do not grow where unsupervised access is possible.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats red baneberry?

All parts of Actaea rubra are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. The berries contain glycosides and other compounds that cause severe gastroenteritis, cardiac effects, and in large doses can be fatal. The ASPCA lists Actaea (baneberry) as toxic to both dogs and cats. Children are particularly at risk due to the attractive appearance of the berries. Do not grow where unsupervised access is possible. 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 red baneberry.

What should I do if my dog ate red baneberry?

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 red baneberry toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Red Baneberry is toxic to cats as well. See the full red baneberry pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to red baneberry?

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 red baneberry pet-safety