Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs

The hydrangea plant is found in many gardens and homes due to its gorgeous bright flowers. If your dog ingests a part of the hydrangea, he may develop signs of toxicity and will require veterinary attention. The sooner you seek help for your dog, the higher his chances of a full recovery. Most toxicity symptoms are mild and easy to correct, but some require immediate assistance to avoid lasting damage.

The hydrangea is a common garden plant with bright flowers in a spherical arrangement. If your dog ingests this plant, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset. If you believe your pet has sampled it or have witnessed your dog eating this plant, you need to contact your veterinarian immediately.

Onset of symptoms can vary depending on how much of the hydrangea your dog ingested. Symptoms include

• Lethargy
• Depression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Increase in heart rate
• Increase in body temperature

The buds and the leaves of the hydrangea plant both contain the toxin that will affect your dog. 

Types

There are many species of the hydrangea plant, all of which are toxic to your dog if he ingests it. The plant has flowers that grow in spherical groups. The pH of the soil affects the color of the flowers; they can come in blue, pink or white.

The toxin the hydrangea contains is known as cyanogenic glycosides.  Plants in this family have contained cyanogenic glycosides for hundreds of years and are believed to act as a natural defense mechanism of the plant. It is believed to help the plant ward off bacteria, viruses, and fungi, as well as deter insects and herbivores.

When your dog first arrives at the veterinarian’s office, the veterinarian will begin with a physical exam. Vitals will be taken and abnormalities will be noted. Blood work may be performed to ensure your dog’s internal organs are still functioning properly. A complete blood count (CBC) and a chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with a broad overview of organ function. A urinalysis may also be performed to assess kidney function. It is also beneficial if you bring a piece of the plant your dog ingested with you to the veterinarian’s so she knows exactly what plant toxicity she is treating.

If your dog’s heart rate is abnormal, an ECG may be performed to allow a more diagnostic look into which part of the heart isn’t functioning properly. An ultrasound may also be performed for further evaluation of the heart.

The symptoms your dog is suffering will determine the course of treatment. If your dog is vomiting and having diarrhea, the veterinarian will begin administration of fluid therapy. This will correct any dehydration and prevent it from becoming more severe. It will also help the body flush the toxin out quicker.

If your dog’s body temperature is too high, cooling methods will be started. The veterinarian will keep him cool with water, ice packs, and fans and will monitor his temperature constantly. She will cool him slowly and safely until his body temperature returns to normal. 

Your dog will be kept on monitoring equipment until his heart returns to its normal function. The monitoring equipment will give constant readings of the heart beat and therefore, the veterinarian will know exactly how the heart is functioning. If your dog’s heart rate is increased or part of his heart is malfunctioning, the veterinarian may administer medications to counteract these abnormalities.

Toxicity may be mild to moderate depending on how much hydrangea was ingested. The sooner your dog receives veterinary attention, the higher his chances of a full recovery. The diarrhea and vomiting will run its course as the hydrangea passes through your dog’s system. Once his body has neutralized the toxin, the symptoms should subside. Appetite will return once he is feeling better and his mood will improve tremendously. 

If your dog experienced an extremely elevated body temperature for too long, he may have permanent brain damage. If the body isn’t cooled properly, the body literally cooks the brain. However, taking his temperature is one of the tasks completed upon arrival and therefore should have been caught early enough to prevent any lasting damage. Temperatures much reach very high levels before lasting damage results.

Your dog will be kept in the hospital and on monitoring equipment until all vitals return to normal. Fluid therapy will be discontinued once all laboratory work comes back normal, and then your dog will be ready to go home. 

The best solution against hydrangea poisoning  is not let your pet have access to the hydrangea plant. If you have the hydrangea indoors, keep it at a height your dog cannot reach when standing on his hind legs. If you have the hydrangea in your garden outside, be sure your dog does not have access to it and monitor him when he is around it. For the safety of your dog, educate yourself before you bring any new plant into your home.