Honeysuckle blossoms, also known as lonicera, are a sight to behold and their delightful fragrance attracts admirers from all walks of life, including our furry friends. While honeysuckle may be irresistible to birds, butterflies, and dogs alike, it is important to be aware that it can be toxic to canines if ingested. So, is honeysuckle dangerous to dogs? And what should you do if your dog happens to eat it?
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What is Honeysuckle?
Honeysuckle is a versatile plant that can grow as a vine or a shrub. One of the most common varieties is diervilla ionicera, characterized by its thick branches. This type of honeysuckle can reach heights of up to 3 feet and can span up to 4 feet in width. It blooms with beautiful white and yellow trumpet-shaped flowers during the summer months of June and July. Diervilla ionicera thrives in direct sunlight to light shade and requires minimal additional watering. Another popular variety is diervilla sessilifolia, often found in the southeastern regions of the United States. This larger type of honeysuckle boasts vibrant yellow blooms. There is also a smaller dwarf bush variety called diervilla ionicera, which requires very little maintenance and produces yellow blooms in June.
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Honeysuckle serves various purposes in landscaping, making it a great choice as a hedge or decorative addition to your yard. It is a low-maintenance plant that spreads easily through underground stolons or runners. Honeysuckle vines, on the other hand, produce beautiful flowers that eventually turn into red berries. However, it is important to note that these berries are not safe for consumption by humans or pets. In large quantities, they can be poisonous.
What Makes Honeysuckle Poisonous to Dogs?
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While honeysuckle is not currently listed on the ASPCA’s toxic plants for dogs, reputable sources highlight that scarlet and coral honeysuckle, known as lonicera sempervirens, can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Unlike their yellow counterparts, these varieties have brilliant orange blooms that can make dogs seriously ill if ingested. To ensure your dog’s continued health and well-being, it is best to keep them away from any type of honeysuckle.
It is worth mentioning that the ASPCA’s list of toxic plants for dogs may not include all plants that can be harmful. If you are uncertain about a plant in your yard, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid it completely.
Is Honeysuckle Toxic for Cats?
While most lists of toxic plants for cats do not include honeysuckle, it is interesting to note that many cats react to this plant’s vines, branches, berries, and flowers similarly to how they respond to catnip. However, since it is unknown whether honeysuckle is poisonous to cats, it is best to keep them away from it.
Just like dogs, cats have their own list of plants considered toxic to them, including daffodils, aloe, hyacinths, and tulips.
What is It About the Honeysuckle Plant That Can Make My Dog Sick?
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Although all parts of the honeysuckle plant can make dogs very ill, it is primarily the vines and flowers that pose the most risk. When dogs chew on or ingest these parts, they release a substance called cyanogenic glycoside. When combined with the dog’s bodily fluids like saliva and stomach acids, this substance creates a gas in the intestines, leading to discomfort, bloating, and pain. If the cyanogenic glycoside mixes with blood, it can cause red blood cell rupture and oxygen deprivation. When combined with stomach acids, it becomes cyanide, a poison that often results in the dog’s death.
What are the Symptoms of Honeysuckle Poisoning in Dogs?
If your dog has been near honeysuckle and starts exhibiting strange behavior, it is important to take note of their symptoms and contact a veterinarian for assistance. Some common signs of honeysuckle poisoning in dogs include discomfort, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, depression, confusion, physical weakness, fatigue, light-colored gums, bad breath, dark or tarry stools, increased urination and thirst, irregular heartbeat, stomach rupture, coma, and ultimately, death. Pets affected by honeysuckle poisoning may make unusual noises indicating pain or discomfort, and might even attempt to hide. If you observe any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian or the pet poison control hotline.
Are There Any Home Remedies for Honeysuckle Poisoning in Dogs?
Unfortunately, there are no home remedies to treat honeysuckle poisoning in dogs. Although honeysuckle may not be listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA, it can still cause severe illness and even death if consumed. If your dog shows signs of sickness, it is crucial to act quickly. Contact your veterinarian or the pet poison control hotline immediately for guidance on how to best assist your pet.
In conclusion, while honeysuckle may be a charming plant, it is considered poisonous if ingested by dogs. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid exposing your furry companions to honeysuckle during your outdoor adventures. Stay safe and keep your dogs healthy!
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