“The toxic component of the hydrangea plant is a cyanogenic glycoside.” The leaves, buds, flowers, and bark all contain the toxin so if your dog munches any part of your hydrangeas, he could get sick.
With over 75 species and 600 cultivars, hydrangeas are a large genus that are indigenous to the Americas, Asia, Japan, and the Himalayas. This plant’s lovely blossoms are what make it so popular. It’s suitable for light shade to full sun. The plants can reach heights of one foot to one hundred feet as a climbing vine, and their enormous flowers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, while hydrangeas are undeniably beautiful, dogs and cats should not be around them due to their poisonous sap. Continue reading to find out more about how dangerous hydrangeas are to both dogs and cats.
What Makes Hydrangeas Poisonous to Pets?
According to the Pet Poison Hotline, the leaves, flowers and buds of the hydrangea plant contain a chemical known as amygdalin.
Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside found in many plants. Amygdalin is not poisonous in its natural state, but when it is metabolized by the body (whether it belongs to a human, dog, or cat), it creates cyanide, which can be poisonous to mammals. Although amygdalin is present in every part of the hydrangea plant, its highest concentrations are thought to be in the flowers and young leaves.
Hydrangea poisoning is dose-dependent. That implies that your pet must consume a specific quantity of the plant in order to exhibit poisoning symptoms. Due to the fact that smaller animals require less food to become ill than larger animals, smaller animals are more susceptible to poisoning.
Because it takes a significant amount of hydrangea to cause symptoms in animals, the good news is that hydrangea poisoning in dogs and cats is extremely uncommon. Since symptoms are usually mild, cases often go unreported.
Why Are Hydrangeas Poisonous To Dogs?
No part of the hydrangea plant is safe for dogs to chew on, including the buds, flowers, leaves, and stems. But what specifically about these beautiful shrubs makes them poisonous to our canine friends?
According to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT, Senior Veterinarian Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, “They [hydrangeas] contain cyanogenic glycosides similar to those found in apple seeds, peach, apricot, plum, and cherry pits.”
Despite the temptation to get rid of all hydrangeas and anything that looks like them right away, there is some good news that might allay your concerns and convince you to think twice.
Despite the fact that hydrangeas have toxic cyanogenic glycosides for animals, Schmid notes that it takes a very large amount of hydrangea plant material for a dog to become poisoned with cyanide. As a result, poisoning is uncommon.
Try planting your hydrangeas in the front yard away from your pets or using a gate to fence them off from your furry friend if you want to keep them or start growing them in your garden.
Are Hydrangeas Poisonous To Dogs or Cats?
Although it takes a lot for cats and dogs to become ill, hydrangeas are poisonous to them. Many cases go unreported because of minimal symptoms. Consuming sufficient amounts of leaves, flowers, or buds typically results in diarrhea and vomiting. Lethargy, despair, and bewilderment can also happen to some pets.
The hydrangea’s buds, flowers, and leaves all contain the cyanogenic glycoside amygdalin. Although amygdalin is safe in its natural state, it is toxic when consumed by humans, dogs, or cats because it produces cyanide. All parts of the hydrangea plant contain amygdalin, but the flowers and young leaves contain the most of it.
A certain amount of plant consumption is necessary for toxic poisoning symptoms in animals. Smaller animals are more vulnerable to poisoning because they require less food to become ill.
FAQ
Is hydrangea poisonous for dogs?
Ingesting enough hydrangea leaves, flowers, or buds can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Lethargy, depression, and confusion can all be symptoms of severe hydrangea poisoning.
How toxic are hydrangeas?
Symptoms: All parts of the plant are poisonous. If eaten, symptoms can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Skin contact can cause dermatitis, rash or irritation. Warning: Seek medical attention if symptoms occur.