Are elderberries poisonous to dogs?

Elder grows in hedgerows, woodland edges and gardens across Europe and North America. In late summer it carries clusters of small dark purple berries. The plant material and unripe berries carry the highest risk. People are advised to cook ripe elderberries before eating them, which gives a sense of how cautious to be with dogs, who cannot cook anything.

Veterinary poison guidance generally advises keeping dogs away from elder altogether.

Mild cases usually involve vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts of leaves, stems or unripe berries can lead to signs linked with cyanide, such as drooling, bright red gums, rapid breathing, dilated pupils and weakness. These need immediate veterinary help.

Symptoms from plant parts can start within an hour or two. A dog that seemed fine at the end of a walk and becomes unusually quiet or starts to vomit later that evening should be seen.

Dogs that like to graze on hedgerows or strip branches may come across elder in August and September. Cut branches from garden pruning are also chewed. If you have elder in your garden, bag prunings promptly and avoid leaving them where a puppy can play with them.

Dwarf elder and red-berried elder, found in some parts of Europe, should be treated with the same caution.

Elderberry syrups, gummies and cordials sold for people are processed and often sweetened; some contain xylitol. Keep them in a cupboard your dog cannot open. They are not a dog supplement.