Is Cotoneaster poisonous to dogs?

Updated 25/09/2024

While strolling through a park or wandering around a garden, you might have spotted the Cotoneaster plant showing off its dazzling bright red berries and shiny leaves. However, pet parents and dog sitters, you may have wondered, is Cotoneaster poisonous to dogs?

Native to Eastern Asia, the Cotoneaster plant is often found in gardens and parks around the world, but particularly in the UK. It’s popular amongst landscapers for its striking appearance and low maintenance. The Cotoneaster is a genus of plants and includes the Rock Cotoneaster, Bearberry Cotoneaster, and the Hedge Cotoneaster amongst others.

This evergreen plant produces clusters of small, red, orange, or yellow berries that persist into the winter, making them particularly eye-catching in the bleaker months. In the summer and spring it produces small pink-white flowers. Despite growing low, the Cotoneaster is more of a shrub or tree than a bush.

So, is this plant just a treat for the eyes, or could it spell trouble for our curious canines? Let’s find out:

Is Cotoneaster poisonous to dogs?

Yes, Cotoneaster can be poisonous to dogs. Although it’s not considered highly toxic to our tail-waggers, it can still be harmful and is best avoided by both humans and pets. Ingestion of this toxic plant can cause some unwanted side effects for your poor pup depending on the size of your pup and the amount ingested. 

Wondering “Are Cotoneaster berries poisonous to dogs?” or “Are Cotoneaster leaves poisonous to dogs?” Well, while it’s best to prevent your dog from eating any part of the Cotoneaster plant, the berries and leaves in particular contain cyanogenic glycosides which can release cyanide when digested. Though these dangerous compounds only exist in small amounts, the plant can still cause health risks if ingested in large amounts by dogs and other animals.

Small dogs and puppies are more vulnerable to the toxic effects than larger dogs. Generally, a large amount of the Cotoneaster plant would need to be eaten to result in severe to life-threatening poisoning, but it can still cause stomach upset amongst other side effects.

With this in mind, make sure your dog doesn’t go chomping away at a Cotoneaster shrub, and of course, never feed them any part of the plant.

Cotoneaster poisoning in dogs

We all know how curious our pups can be, especially when they’re out and about exploring the world. But what if your furry friend decides to take a bite from a Cotoneaster plant? Well, there’s a chance that they won’t be harmed at all, however, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of Cotoneaster poisoning and know when to seek professional help from a vet.

Symptoms of poisoning

If you’re worried “my dog ate Cotoneaster berries” or any other part of the plant, the symptoms of Cotoneaster poisoning in dogs can vary based on the amount ingested and your dog's overall health. Generally, a very large amount needs to be eaten before problems occur, so toxicity is rare in dogs and cats. If your dog has eaten any part of the Cotoneaster plant, it’s still important to monitor your dog for symptoms including:

• Gastrointestinal problems: vomiting and diarrhea are common reactions as the body tries to expel anything it deems toxic.
• Abdominal pain: dogs may show signs of discomfort, such as whining, restlessness, or a hunched posture.
• Drooling: excessive salivation can occur due to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Weakness or lethargy: the presence of toxins can lead to general weakness and decreased activity levels.
• Difficulty breathing: in severe cases, the release of cyanide can interfere with the body's ability to utilize oxygen, leading to respiratory distress.
• Seizures: in rare and severe cases seizures can occur.

Diagnosis

If you think your dog is experiencing Cotoneaster poisoning, prompt veterinary care is important to avoid more severe complications. Make sure to let your vet know that your dog has eaten a part of a Cotoneaster plant and any of their symptoms. A diagnosis by your vet will then typically involve:

• History and observation: your veterinarian will look at your dog’s medical history and ask you what events took place in the lead-up to the poisoning.
• Physical examination: a thorough physical exam will help identify any signs of distress or abnormalities and assess the severity of the symptoms.
• Laboratory tests: blood tests may be conducted to check for any systemic effects of poisoning.
• Imaging: In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays may be used to assess the gastrointestinal tract for any obstructions or abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for Cotoneaster poisoning focuses on relieving the symptoms and preventing further absorption of toxins. A treatment plan may include:

• Induced vomiting: if a large amount of ingestion occurred recently and your dog isn’t showing severe symptoms, the veterinarian might induce vomiting to remove any remaining plant material from the stomach (remember to never attempt this at home, as it can be extremely dangerous and the risk of choking is high!).
• Activated charcoal: administering activated charcoal can help bind the toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, reducing their absorption.
• Supportive care: intravenous (IV) fluids may be provided to maintain hydration and support kidney function. Medications to control vomiting, protect the stomach lining, and manage pain may also be administered.
• Oxygen therapy: in cases where there’s respiratory distress due to cyanide poisoning, oxygen therapy may be required to support breathing.
• Monitoring: close monitoring of the dog's vital signs and response to treatment is crucial in managing severe cases.

Luckily, in most cases, with prompt and appropriate treatment if necessary, your dog will fully recover from Cotoneaster poisoning.

Prevention

Now we know the answer to the question “are Cotoneaster poisonous to dogs?”, the best way to prevent Cotoneaster poisoning is to limit your dog’s access to the plant. If you’ve got Cotoneaster in your garden, consider fencing off the area or training your dog to avoid it. Always supervise your dog during walks to prevent them from ingesting unknown and potentially poisonous plants.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

If you’re a member of TrustedHousesitters and are worried your dog has eaten a part of a Cotoneaster plant, you can make use of our 24/7 Vet Advice Line. Our experienced and trusted team can advise you on the best actions to take to ensure your dog’s health and well-being. 

What if my dog eats red berries from the bush?

If you find your dog has been munching on red berries from a bush or any other plant, it’s crucial to monitor symptoms and call a vet for advice right away.

Red berries from certain bushes can be toxic to dogs. While not all red berries are harmful, many common garden plants and wild bushes produce berries that can be dangerous if ingested. Now we’ve found Cotoneaster berries toxic to dogs in large amounts, here are some other red berry plants that are potentially toxic to dogs:

• Cuckoo pint (Lords-and-ladies)
• Yew
• Holly
• Elderberries