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Is Shrubby Adenia toxic to dogs?

Adenia fruticosa

Toxic to dogs

Yes — shrubby adenia 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 Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and pets.

What to do if your dog ate shrubby adenia

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

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

Is shrubby adenia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is shrubby adenia toxic to dogs?

Yes — shrubby adenia 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 Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats shrubby adenia?

All parts of Adenia fruticosa are poisonous. The species name alludes to its shrubby nature but its Zulu/Afrikaans folk names reference poison ('gifboom'). The Adenia genus contains cyanogenic glycosides and modeccin (ribosome-inactivating proteins); ingestion is dangerous for pets and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA, but genus-level and phytochemical toxicity is well-established. Handle with gloves; keep away from children and 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 shrubby adenia.

What should I do if my dog ate shrubby adenia?

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 shrubby adenia toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Shrubby Adenia is toxic to cats as well. See the full shrubby adenia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to shrubby adenia?

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 shrubby adenia pet-safety