Is Rowan poisonous to dogs?

Updated 25/09/2024

Rowan trees, known for their vibrant berries and ornamental beauty, are a common sight in gardens, parks, and wilderness paths and often add a splash of color to any landscape. But when taking their tail-waggers for a walk, dog owners and pet sitters may wonder, “Is Rowan poisonous to dogs?”

Also known as Mountain Ash, the Rowan tree usually grows in cool climates at higher altitudes and is commonly found in northern countries such as the UK. These vibrant trees are true showstoppers all year round – they display lovely clusters of cream-white flowers in the spring, followed by luscious green leaves in the summer and eye-catching red berries in the fall and winter. Known as the “Tree of Life” in Celtic mythology, the Rowan tree is an important food source for birds over the winter… however, it’s bad news for our four-legged friends. 

In this article, we’ll explore the potential dangers of Rowan trees for our canine companions and what to do if your dog has ingested any part of the tree.

Is Rowan poisonous to dogs?

Yes, Rowan is toxic to dogs. The Rowan berries in particular contain parasorbic acid and cyanogenic glycoside, making Rowan poisonous to dogs. If eaten in large quantities, ingestion of these compounds can lead to kidney damage or gastrointestinal issues and possibly even death for dogs, humans, and other mammals. Thankfully the volumes of rowan berries needed to be ingested for this is large, and so deaths are very rare.

Are Rowan berries poisonous to dogs?

If you’re worried “my dog ate Rowan berries”, as we’ve mentioned, Rowan berries (mainly the pomace and seeds) are toxic to dogs. However, the side effects usually depend on the quantity your dog has ingested. That being said, if your dog eats Rowan berries, it’s important to monitor your dog, and if they display any worrying symptoms to take them to the vet right away.

While wild Rowan berries are poisonous to mammals, you may have heard of Rowan berries being used in human food such as jam. This is because Rowan berries are edible to humans once processed (cooked and their seeds removed). However, there isn’t enough research to confirm that foods with processed Rowan berries are safe for dogs to eat (especially as they may contain other compounds which are toxic to dogs such as xylitol). We suggest you keep any foods that contain Rowan berries away from your pup pal and if they do manage to snack on any Rowan berries, consult with a vet if they display any worrying symptoms.

Rowan berries can sometimes be mistaken for yew berries from a yew tree due to their similar bright appearance. Yew berries (and other parts of the Yew tree) are highly toxic to dogs, humans, and other mammals. So, if your dog eats any unknown or toxic berries we recommend consulting with a vet for advice.

Are Rowan trees poisonous to dogs?

So, Rowan berries, dogs –  not a good mix. But, what about the rest of the tree? There isn’t much evidence to say whether or not the rest of the tree is poisonous to dogs, humans, or other animals. Therefore, it’s best to exercise caution and not let your dog eat any part of the Rowan tree – even if the rest of the tree isn’t toxic it could still be a choking hazard.

Rowan poisoning in dogs

So now we’ve settled the answer to the question “Is Rowan poisonous to dogs?”, let’s discuss what to do if your curious canine decides to munch on some of those red Rowan berries.

Symptoms of poisoning

If your poor pup ingests any part of the Rowan tree, especially the berries, they may experience a range of symptoms indicating Rowan tree poisoning. These symptoms can vary based on the amount consumed and the size of your dog. As always, if your dog displays any worrying symptoms, it's important to act quickly and seek the help of a vet. Common symptoms of Rowan tree poisoning in dogs include:

• Gastrointestinal distress: this includes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The berries are the most common part of the tree for causing stomach upset.
• Weakness and lethargy: your dog may appear unusually tired, lack energy, or seem disinterested in usual activities.
• Difficulty breathing: poisoning can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, leading to respiratory distress.
• Excessive drooling: increased salivation may occur due to nausea or irritation of the digestive tract.
• Seizures: in severe cases, seizures may develop.

Diagnosis

Your vet can diagnose Rowan poisoning using a combination of clinical examinations and a detailed history of your dog's exposure. If you’re worried your dog has ingested Rowan berries or any other part of the three, it's important to let your vet know for a more accurate diagnosis. Make sure to also tell your vet details such as the time of ingestion, the estimated amount consumed, and any of your pup’s symptoms. Your vet may perform tests to confirm a diagnosis, including:

• Blood tests: these can check for kidney and liver damage, and tell the vet if your dog is dehydrated for example.
• Urinalysis: this can help assess your dog’s overall hydration status, and if the kidneys are leaking protein, a sign of damage.
• Imaging: in some cases, X-rays or an ultrasound exam might be used to determine if there’s any foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

Treating Rowan poisoning in dogs involves removing the toxic substance from your dog's system and managing symptoms. Depending on how much they've eaten and the severity of their symptoms, here’s what your vet might do to get your pup back on their paws:

• Inducing vomiting: if the ingestion was recent, inducing vomiting can help remove the berries or other substances from the stomach before they’re fully digested (make sure not to try this at home as there’s a high risk of your dog choking).
• Activated charcoal: this can be used to absorb any remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Intravenous fluids: IV fluids help maintain hydration, support kidney function, and assist in flushing toxins from the body.
• Oxygen therapy: in cases where breathing is affected, oxygen therapy can support respiratory function.
• Anticonvulsants: if your dog is experiencing seizures, medication may be given to control and prevent further episodes.

Preventing Rowan poisoning

Now we’ve revealed the Rowan tree is poisonous to dogs, the best way to avoid your precious pup from being affected by this plant is to prevent them from going near it. Avoid planting Rowan trees in areas accessible to your pooch, supervise them during walks, and discourage them from eating unknown plants or berries.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

If you’re worried that your dog, or a dog you’re pet sitting, has eaten Rowan berries or any other poisonous plant, members of TrustedHousesitters can access our 24/7 Vet Advice Line. Here, our Team Trusted can give you advice on what to do to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

What berries are toxic to dogs?

There are many red berries poisonous to dogs, and we recommend not letting your dog eat any berries (or anything else you can’t identify). We already know that Rowan tree berries are poisonous to dogs, but here are some other common plants with red berries that are sadly bad news for our pup pals:

• Cotoneaster
• Yew
• Asparagus fern
• Holly