Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause severe symptoms.
If you suspect your dog has ingested hydrangea, act quickly and seek veterinary attention immediately.
The toxic compound in hydrangeas, cyanogenic glycoside, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain in dogs.
The severity of symptoms depends on the amount and type of hydrangea consumed.
Prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage or even death.
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What You Need to Know
If your dog eats a hydrangea, you'll likely notice symptoms within 30 minutes. These symptoms can be a good indication of what's going on, but it's always best to err on the side of caution.
Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in dogs. These symptoms can be uncomfortable for your furry friend, but they're usually not life-threatening.
In severe cases, dogs may experience depression and confusion. This can be a worrying sign, but it's still relatively rare.
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If you suspect your dog has ingested hydrangea, take them to the vet immediately. The vet will want to identify the plant and rule out other potential causes for the symptoms.
Your vet will likely run some tests, including urine and blood tests, and possibly X-rays, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other issues.
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Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in dogs can vary in severity depending on the amount ingested, but common signs include lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, increased heart rate, and elevated body temperature.
The buds and leaves of the hydrangea plant contain the toxin that affects dogs, and all species of the plant are toxic to canines.
If your dog ingests hydrangea, you may notice vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, and lethargy, which can progress to depression and confusion in severe cases.
A physical exam, blood work, and urinalysis may be performed to diagnose hydrangea poisoning, and it's beneficial to bring a piece of the plant to the veterinarian's office for identification.
Fluid therapy may be administered to correct dehydration and help flush the toxin out of the system, and an ECG may be performed if your dog's heart rate is abnormal.
It's essential to monitor your dog's symptoms and seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect hydrangea poisoning, as the symptoms can escalate from mild to severe.
Here are some common symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness and lethargy
- Depression and confusion, in serious cases
In rare cases, hydrangea ingestion can cause cyanide poisoning, which can lead to more severe health issues if left untreated.
Prevention and Treatment
Prevention is key when it comes to hydrangea poisoning in dogs, so keep your pup's paws off these plants by planting dog-safe alternatives in your garden instead.
To avoid any potential risks, consider fencing off an area of your yard where your dog can safely play and explore, then plant hydrangeas and other potentially toxic plants outside of this zone.
If you can't break up your outdoor space, plan to keep your dog on a leash whenever they're outside and always supervise their time to ensure they're not getting into any toxic plants or other dangers on your property.
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How to Prevent
Keeping your pets safe from toxic plants requires some planning and creativity. Plant dog-safe plants in your garden instead of hydrangeas.
You can also fence off an area of the yard where your dog can safely play and explore, then plant hydrangeas and other potentially toxic plants outside of this zone.
If you can't break up your outdoor space, plan to keep your dog on the leash whenever they are outside. Always supervise your dog's outside time to make sure they are not getting into any toxic plants or other dangers on your property.
It's also a good idea to keep hydrangeas far out of reach of your pets.
How to Treat
The sooner your dog receives medical attention after ingesting hydrangea, the easier it is to treat their symptoms.
If your dog has ingested enough hydrangea to cause severe symptoms, they might be put on an intravenous drip to flush out the poison.
You'll want to keep a close eye on your dog's condition and monitor their symptoms closely.
If your dog has ingested hydrangea within 30 minutes of ingestion, a vet may advise you to allow the vomiting and diarrhea to pass through their system before taking further action.
Your dog might need medication and an altered diet to help them recover from the effects of their gastrointestinal symptoms once they're home.
Understanding Toxicity
Hydrangeas contain a toxic compound called cyanogenic glycoside, which can make dogs sick when they eat it. This compound is found in the leaves, flowers, and buds of hydrangea plants.
The level of danger depends on the amount ingested, with a nibble causing mild gastrointestinal upset and a full-on feast leading to more serious symptoms. In rare cases, large amounts of certain species of Hydrangea can cause cyanide poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
Most dogs do not grind up the plant efficiently enough to release cyanide, so it typically just causes a mild toxicity. However, if the plant is already stressed, such as if it's wilted or diseased, the cyanide may become more easily accessible.
A large amount of the plant needs to be consumed for symptoms of hydrangea poisoning to occur, and the level of poisoning is dependent on the dosage. This means that dogs are unlikely to show severe symptoms even if they ingest a small amount of the plant.
The highest concentrations of amygdalin, the chemical responsible for the toxicity, can be found in young leaves and flowers of the hydrangea. This is why smaller pets, including little dogs, should be extra aware of the potential risks.
It's often tricky to determine the exact cause of a dog's illness if you didn't see them eating the plant, as many signs of plant toxicity are vague and could be the same signs seen from other health problems.
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Veterinary Advice
If your dog eats a hydrangea, act fast and remove any plant pieces from their mouth. Offer water to help clear out any remnants.
Immediate action can make a big difference in preventing further harm. If you catch your dog with a mouthful of Oakleaf Hydrangea, do not induce vomiting unless a vet gives the green light.
If your dog has eaten a hydrangea, you'll notice symptoms within around 30 minutes. The chances are they won’t have eaten enough of the plant to fall ill.
In case of poisoning, the most common symptoms are related to the digestive system. These include vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness and lethargy, and depression and confusion in serious cases.
Take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect poisoning. Your vet will usually want to identify the plant that caused the poisoning and rule out any other causes for the symptoms.
If your vet suspects hydrangea poisoning, they may run urine and blood tests and possibly X-rays to confirm their suspicions. This is because vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of other issues that may be unrelated to the poisoning.
Here are some key things to keep an eye out for if you suspect hydrangea poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness and lethargy
- Depression and confusion in serious cases
Sources
- Flowers and Plants Toxic to Dogs and Cats (an A-Z guide) (animalemergencyservice.com.au)
- Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, ... (wagwalking.com)
- pet poison control hotlineopens in a new tab (aspca.org)
- Are Hydrangeas Poisonous To Dogs? (fotp.com)
- Oakleaf Hydrangea Is Toxic To Dogs 🐶 (greg.app)
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