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Pet safety

Is Spanish Gorse toxic to dogs?

Genista hispanica

Toxic to dogs

Yes — spanish gorse 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. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material.

What to do if your dog ate spanish gorse

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

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

Is spanish gorse toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spanish gorse toxic to dogs?

Yes — spanish gorse is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats spanish gorse?

The ASPCA classifies Genista as toxic to cats and dogs. Genista hispanica contains quinolizidine alkaloids (including cytisine and sparteine) common to the legume/broom family. PFAF records 'none known' specific hazards for this species, but related broom genera cause vomiting, weakness, and cardiac irregularities in dogs and cats when significant amounts are consumed. The spiny stems deter casual browsing but seed pods should be considered a risk. Treat as mildly toxic and prevent pets from ingesting plant material. 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 spanish gorse.

What should I do if my dog ate spanish gorse?

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 spanish gorse toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Spanish Gorse is toxic to cats as well. See the full spanish gorse pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to spanish gorse?

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 spanish gorse pet-safety