Is the American Elderberry Shrub Safe for Pets? What Pet Owners Need to Know

As a pet owner, I’m always looking for ways to keep my furry friends happy and healthy Recently, I became interested in the potential health benefits of the American elderberry shrub for pets Elderberries contain antioxidants and may help support the immune system. However, I wanted to make sure the plant is safe for pets before considering using elderberry products. I did some research and here’s what I learned about the safety of the American elderberry shrub for dogs, cats, and other pets.

An Overview of the American Elderberry Shrub

The American elderberry shrub (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) is a deciduous plant native to North America. It produces clusters of small white flowers in the spring and early summer. Later in the summer, it bears berries that ripen from green to a deep purple-black. While the ripe berries are edible for humans when cooked the rest of the plant contains toxins.

All parts of the elderberry plant, except the ripe berries, contain a cyanide-inducing compound called glycoside amygdalin. When ingested, this compound breaks down and releases hydrogen cyanide, which is toxic. The leaves, stems, roots, seeds, and unripe berries of elderberry shrubs contain particularly high concentrations of glycosides.

Are Elderberry Shrubs Toxic for Pets?

The short answer is yes, elderberry shrubs can be highly toxic for cats, dogs, and other household pets if they consume parts of the plant other than the ripe berries. The toxins are harmful regardless of whether the plant is fresh, dried, or processed.

Dogs are especially at risk since they are omnivores and may be attracted to all parts of the elderberry plant. Glycoside amygdalin is toxic to dogs in very small doses. As little as two milligrams per kilogram of a dog’s body weight can be deadly.

Cats can also suffer elderberry poisoning, but they are less likely than dogs to eat unfamiliar plants. Rabbits, horses, cattle, and other livestock should also be kept away from elderberry shrubs. The leaves, bark, roots, and unripe fruit can cause illness and death very quickly in these animals after ingestion.

Symptoms of Elderberry Poisoning in Pets

Pets poisoned by elderberry shrubs may show symptoms within 15-30 minutes of ingesting plant parts. Serious elderberry toxicity takes hold rapidly, with death possible in less than an hour in severe cases.

Possible symptoms include:

• Excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea
• Dilated pupils, tremors, seizures
• Difficulty breathing
• Increased heart rate, shock, drop in blood pressure
• Coma, death

If a pet consumes any part of an elderberry plant, immediate emergency veterinary care is essential for their best chance of survival. Quick diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the prognosis.

Preventing Elderberry Poisoning in Pets

The easiest way to keep pets safe from elderberry toxicity is to avoid having the shrubs on your property. Homeowners with elderberry shrubs in their landscape should consider removing the plants if they have curious pets that might ingest them.

When removal is not an option, take preventative steps to keep pets away from the plants:

• Fence off or block access to elderberry shrubs.
• Train pets to avoid the area where shrubs are growing.
• Keep the ground clear of fallen leaves, bark, and berries.
• Supervise pets when they are outside near elderberry shrubs.

Are Elderberry Products Safe for Pets?

While the elderberry plant itself is toxic, commercial elderberry products designed for pets can be safe when they are made properly from the ripe berries. However, it is still best to exercise caution and consult your veterinarian before giving any new supplement to your pet.

Here are some guidelines regarding elderberry products for pets:

• Elderberry extracts and tinctures for human use may not be safe for pets, even in small amounts. Only use pet-formulated products.

• Elderberry teas are only safe if made with berries cooked for at least 45 minutes to neutralize toxins. Never make tea from leaves or other plant parts.

• Only give gummies made for pets, without xylitol. The sugar content in human gummies can cause gastrointestinal upset.

• When in doubt, stick to high-quality commercial products designed specifically for pet consumption and follow label directions carefully.

Safe Ways to Support Pet Health

While elderberry shrubs themselves are unsafe for pets, there are many other ways to support your pet’s health naturally:

• Give pets species-appropriate diets. Providing nutritious commercial or homemade foods designed for dogs and cats supports overall wellness.

• Try pet-safe herbs. Herbs like echinacea, chamomile, and astragalus have proven health benefits for pets when used properly. Consult your vet on safe dosages.

• Use supplements made for pets. Fish oil, glucosamine, probiotics, and other pet supplements can promote health when used according to veterinary guidelines.

• Practice preventive care. Annual exams, core vaccines, dental cleanings, parasite prevention, and regular checkups catch problems early and prevent illness.

The Takeaway on Elderberry Safety for Pets

While elderberries themselves have some excellent health benefits for humans, it’s clear that American elderberry shrubs and improperly prepared elderberry products are not safe for cat and dog companions. As pet owners, we must be very cautious about keeping pets away from these plants and only use elderberry supplements approved by our vets. With care and attention, we can promote our pets’ health through other natural means that are safe and effective. Monitoring what our pets eat inside and outside the home is crucial to avoiding tragic elderberry poisoning incidents.