Are Hydrangeas Poisonous to Pets?

Hydrangeas are poisonous to both cats and dogs.

In the United States, 33 percent of households own a minimum of one cat and 39 percent of households own at least one dog. Unfortunately, hydrangeas are a type of plant that is poisonous to both of these pets.

Identification

The hydrangea is a native plant in the United States in the Midwest, Southern states and parts of Southern New England. It is a shrub that can grow up to 5 feet in height and produces large, showy flowers that can be white or pink in color.

Toxicity of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas contain a toxin known as cyanogenic glycoside. According to the University of Texas, this compound, that when it comes in contact with enzymes in the body, becomes a cyanide-releasing toxin: hydrogen cyanide.

Symptoms of Poisoning

According to the ASPCA website, symptoms of hydrangea poisoning include depression and mild to severe vomiting or diarrhea. The ASPCA website also states that cyanide intoxication is rare and most pets generally suffer from temporary gastrointestinal upset.

References

• The Humane Society of the United States: U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics
• University of Connecticut: Hydrangea arborescens
• ASPCA: Hydrangea
• University of Texas: Tropical butterflies demonstrate novel mechanism for protecting themselves from cyanide in passion vine