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Pet safety

Is Rose of Sharon toxic to dogs?

Hibiscus syriacus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rose of sharon 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. Hibiscus syriacus is considered mildly toxic. The ASPCA notes that rose of Sharon can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in dogs and cats if ingested. It is reported to cause more severe gastrointestinal effects in horses. Keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate rose of sharon

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

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

Is rose of sharon toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is rose of sharon toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rose of sharon 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. Hibiscus syriacus is considered mildly toxic. The ASPCA notes that rose of Sharon can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in dogs and cats if ingested. It is reported to cause more severe gastrointestinal effects in horses. Keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats rose of sharon?

Hibiscus syriacus is considered mildly toxic. The ASPCA notes that rose of Sharon can cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea in dogs and cats if ingested. It is reported to cause more severe gastrointestinal effects in horses. Keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected. 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 rose of sharon.

What should I do if my dog ate rose of sharon?

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 rose of sharon toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rose of Sharon is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full rose of sharon pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to rose of sharon?

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 rose of sharon pet-safety