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Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
What is Hydrangea Poisoning?
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.
Hydrangea Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
$350
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Symptoms of Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Causes of Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Diagnosis of Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Treatment of Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
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.
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Recovery of Hydrangea Poisoning in Dogs
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.
Hydrangea Poisoning Average Cost
From 182 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$350
Top
Hydrangea Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Labrador Retriever
Rosie & Tinker
12 Weeks
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Occasional Vomiting& Loose Stools
Our 2 pups have been chewing on dormant hydrangea stalks, starting at age 8 weeks. They are now 12 weeks old and still chew on these if we don't catch them in time to redirect their attention. Will this cause diarrhea and vomiting? Are there long term effects we should be aware of?
Jan. 28, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
15 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on how much of the hydrangea your dogs ingested. Symptoms include lethargy, depression, vomiting. diarrhea, anorexia, an increase in heart rate, and an increase in body temperature The buds and the leaves of the hydrangea plant both contain the toxin that will affect your dog. If Rosie and Tinker are showing any of these signs, they should be seen by your veterinarian to be examined and given symptomatic care if needed. It would be a good idea long term to block access to those plants, so that they can't continue to eat them when they are not dormant stalks anymore. I hope that everything goes well for them!
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/hydrangea-poisoning
Jan. 28, 2018
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Alaskan Husky
Meadow
7 Weeks
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
Our 7 week old husky puppy had 3 seizures the first night we had her. We rushed her to emergency and they originally thought to be liver shunt. The next 12 hours following seizures she was sleepy and lethargic. The following day and days since her seizure (she hasn’t had any since) she’s now acting like a normal energetic puppy. Reflecting back, we remember her chewing on hydrangea stalk, but never thought anything of it so unsure how much she had. Could this be the cause of her 3 seizures?
Read more at: https://wagwalking.com/condition/hydrangea-poisoning
Nov. 26, 2017
4 Recommendations
I am not aware of any relationship between hydrangea poisoning and seizures; hydrangea poisoning normally results in gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain. Keep an eye out for any odd behaviour the Meadow may display which may tie in with the seizures (tremors, twitching, eye movements). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Nov. 26, 2017
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Hydrangea Poisoning Average Cost
From 182 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$350
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
