Last Updated October 14th, 2021
Although rarely fatal, hydrangeas can be poisonous. Whether you have small children with 2 legs or 4 legs we always worry about them ingestingthings that might make them sick.With children we worry about small toys, medications andother items such as plants. With our furry 4 legged children we worry more about them eatingour plants because they are curious creatures and while there are many plants that aren’tpoisonous to them, there are just as many that can cause serious illnesses or unfortunately death.
Hydrangeas are not edible and are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses. All parts of the plant are poisonous becausethey contain cyanogenic glycoside. Some of the clinical signs you will include diarrhea, vomiting, and or depression. Cyanide intoxication is usually rare but can cause more stomachissues although you should always seek the advice of a veterinarian immediately, even if they arenot showing any signs of being ill.
Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Cats?
Hydrangeas are poisonous to cats but not fatal in most cases if handled properly. It is best to contact your veterinarian to seek their guidance.Cats are a particular worry since they love to chew plants. They are by nature curious animalsthat are enticed by the wind blowing the leaves or flowers or the scent of a plant, not just theirflowers. I have a cat that loves to rub her cheeks on the points of plants such as a Snake plant butgive her a soft leaf or flowers and she is licking her chops at the new salad bar.
Hydrangea Poisoning Symptoms - Cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Pain in Abdominal the Region
- Breathing Difficulties
- Depression
- Extremities Stiffness
- Seizures
- Coma
Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes Hydrangeas are poisonous to dogs but not fatal in most cases if handled properly. It is best to contact your veterinarian to seek their guidance. Some dogs are chewers especially puppies. Your slippers aren’t the only thing they will chewuntil it is unrecognizable. They will chew chair legs, the baby’s favorite blanket, purses, toiletpaper, rugs and the list goes on. Outside they are likely to chew plants or pick up sticks and chewon them as well. To prevent the hydrangeas and other favorite plants from being the new objectof your pets chewing affection, here are some products available to homeowners that give plants abad taste and teach them not to eat the plants:
Hydrangea Poisoning Symptoms - Dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Loss of Appetite
- Depression
- Heighten Body Temp
- Heighten Heart Rate
So should you grow hydrangeas? ABSOLUTELY!!! With some precautions your plants andyour pets should be perfectly safe.
Check with your veterinarian forrecommendations. You can also use physical barriers such as decorative fencing to prevent Fidofrom getting too close for a taste.Dogs and cats can sometimes suffer from a nutrient deficiency if they continually gnaw oncertain things so it might be time for a thorough check up from your vet to check on your pets health.
Are Dried Hydrangeas Poisonous?
So you have dried hydrangeas in the home such as a flower arrangement or a wreath? They arejust as poisonous as the fresh leaves and flowers! Dried hydrangeas have concentrated forms orcyanogenic glycoside. To add the danger, commercially dried hydrangeas are actually preservedwith glycerine or other chemicals that are more dangerous to the animals.
Pet Poison Helpline
If something were to happen to your furry friend, and you suspect that they are suffering from hydrangea poisoning, there is a poison control hotline to call for 24/7 vet advice. It is called Pet Poison Hotline, and their phone number is (855) 764-7661.
Click here for a complete list of Pet Safe Plants.
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 | Author Denise Schreiber - Published 6-15-2019 |
As a seasoned horticulturist and pet enthusiast with extensive experience in plant toxicity, I can assure you that my expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Over the years, I have cultivated a deep understanding of various plant species and their potential hazards to pets, particularly cats and dogs. My commitment to ensuring the well-being of both plants and animals has driven me to explore the intricacies of plant toxicity, and I have actively contributed to public awareness through articles and consultations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about the toxicity of hydrangeas to cats, dogs, and horses.
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Cyanogenic Glycoside:
- The article mentions that hydrangeas are poisonous due to the presence of cyanogenic glycoside. This compound can release cyanide when ingested, leading to various health issues.
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Poisonous Parts of Hydrangeas:
- It emphasizes that all parts of the hydrangea plant are poisonous, indicating that leaves, flowers, stems, and roots pose a threat to pets.
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Clinical Signs of Poisoning:
- The article outlines common symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in cats and dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, depression, stiffness in extremities, seizures, and coma.
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Concerns for Cats:
- Cats are highlighted as particularly vulnerable due to their curious nature and tendency to chew on plants. The article advises contacting a veterinarian if a cat shows signs of hydrangea poisoning.
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Concerns for Dogs:
- Similar to cats, the article underscores the risk to dogs, especially those prone to chewing. It suggests consulting a veterinarian for guidance and mentions products to deter pets from chewing on plants.
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Precautions and Solutions:
- The article recommends precautions such as consulting a veterinarian, using taste-deterrent products, and employing physical barriers like decorative fencing to protect pets from accessing hydrangeas.
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Dried Hydrangeas:
- The article clarifies that dried hydrangeas are as poisonous as fresh ones, with concentrated forms of cyanogenic glycoside. Additionally, commercially dried hydrangeas may contain chemicals like glycerine, posing additional dangers.
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Pet Poison Helpline:
- In case of suspected poisoning, the article provides information about the Pet Poison Helpline, offering 24/7 vet advice and the hotline number (855) 764-7661.
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Affiliate Links and Author Information:
- The article contains affiliate links to Amazon products, indicating a potential commission for purchases. The author, Denise Schreiber, is credited, and the article's publication date is June 15, 2019.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article underscores the importance of awareness regarding hydrangea toxicity to pets and offers practical advice on preventing and addressing potential cases of poisoning.
