Are Honeysuckle Berries Poisonous to Dogs?

Honeysuckle, with its sweet-smelling flowers and vibrant berries, is a common sight in many gardens and parks. But if you’re a dog owner, you might be wondering: are honeysuckle berries poisonous to dogs? Let’s dive into this question and explore the facts.

What are Honeysuckle Berries?

Honeysuckle berries are the fruit of the honeysuckle plant, which belongs to the Lonicera genus. These small, round berries often appear in clusters and can be various colors, including red, blue, or black, depending on the species¹.

It’s worth noting that honeysuckle berries are different from the flowers of the plant, which are known for their sweet nectar. In fact, the plant’s name “honeysuckle” comes from the practice of sucking the nectar from its flowers – a sweet treat that’s safe for humans, but not recommended for our canine friends.

Are Honeysuckle Berries Edible?

Here’s the thing: while birds and some wildlife can munch on honeysuckle berries without issues, these berries aren’t typically consumed by humans. And for good reason!

Most honeysuckle berries have a bitter, unpleasant taste that’s enough to make you pucker up faster than a kid eating a lemon. Nature’s way of saying, “Hey, maybe don’t eat this?”

Read more: Are Honeysuckle Berries Poisonous? What Research Says

The Big Question: Are Honeysuckle Berries Poisonous to Dogs?

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. Yes, honeysuckle berries can be poisonous to dogs. But before you start panicking and ripping out every honeysuckle bush in sight, let’s break this down a bit.

Why are Honeysuckle Berries Toxic to Dogs?

Honeysuckle berries contain compounds that can be harmful to our furry friends. These include:

1. Cyanogenic glycosides: These substances can release cyanide when metabolized². Yikes!
2. Carotenoids: While generally beneficial, in large quantities these can cause issues for dogs³.

It’s like honeysuckle berries are playing a twisted game of “Jekyll and Hyde” with our pooches!

Symptoms of Honeysuckle Poisoning in Dogs

If your four-legged friend has been snacking on honeysuckle berries, keep an eye out for these symptoms⁴:

• Vomiting (nobody likes doggy vomit on the carpet)
• Diarrhea (double yuck!)
• Irregular heart rhythm (time to get that stethoscope out)
• Gastrointestinal discomfort (your pup might look like they ate a beach ball)
• Extreme thirst (like they’ve been wandering in the Sahara)

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Honeysuckle Berries

First things first, don’t panic! Take a deep breath. Now, if you suspect your dog has been nibbling on honeysuckle berries⁵:

1. Contact your vet immediately: They’re the experts and can guide you on the best course of action.
2. Monitor your dog closely: Keep an eye out for any of the symptoms mentioned above.
3. Don’t induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to do so.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry friends!

Prevention is Better Than Cure

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are some tips to keep your dog safe:

• If you have honeysuckle in your garden, consider fencing it off or removing it entirely.
• Keep a close eye on your dog during walks, especially in areas where honeysuckle grows wild.
• Train your dog to respond to commands like “leave it” or “drop it”. It could save their life one day!

The Bottom Line

While honeysuckle berries might look tempting to our canine companions, they’re definitely not a dog-friendly snack. As responsible pet owners, it’s up to us to keep an eye out for potential hazards and keep our furry friends safe.

So, the next time you’re out for a walk and spot some honeysuckle berries, remember: they might be pretty to look at, but they’re best left alone by both you and your four-legged friend. After all, there are plenty of dog-safe treats out there that are much more deserving of those puppy dog eyes!

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honeysuckle ↩︎
2. Campbell A. Poisoning in small animals from commonly ingested plants[J]. In Practice, 1998, 20(10): 587-591. https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1136/inpract.20.10.587 ↩︎
3. Raudsepp P, Anton D, Roasto M, et al. The antioxidative and antimicrobial properties of the blue honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.), Siberian rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.) and some other plants, compared to ascorbic acid and sodium nitrite[J]. Food control, 2013, 31(1): 129-135. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0956713512005567 ↩︎
4. https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E7%8B%97%E7%8B%97%E4%B8%AD%E6%AF%92%E7%97%87%E7%8B%80%E6%9C%89%E5%93%AA%E4%BA%9B%EF%BC%9F%E5%A6%82%E4%BD%95%E6%80%A5%E6%95%91%EF%BC%9F%E5%B9%B3%E6%99%82%E6%80%8E%E9%BA%BC%E9%A0%90%E9%98%B2%E7%8B%97%E7%8B%97%E4%B8%AD%E6%AF%92%EF%BC%9F-034146234.html ↩︎
5. https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-to-do-if-dog-is-poisoned-1118525 ↩︎