Is Gardenia toxic to dogs?
Gardenia (cape jasmine) is an irritant to dogs (S2 Irritant): the ASPCA lists geniposide and gardenoside as its toxic principles, with mild vomiting or diarrhea and hives as the signs on record.
- TOXINgeniposide, gardenoside
- WHAT TO EXPECTmild vomiting; diarrhea; hives (skin reaction)
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, or a skin reaction spreads.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| mild vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| hives (skin reaction) |
If your dog just ate it
Same tabletop look, minus the risk
2 tabletop plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Is gardenia toxic to dogs?
Yes, mildly, on the same record as for cats. The ASPCA lists gardenia — under both of its names, Gardenia and Cape Jasmine — as "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses," with signs of "Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives." Pet Poison Helpline has no gardenia entry, so the ASPCA is the single source for this grade: S2 Irritant on our gardenia page for dogs. Gardenias are usually garden or patio shrubs, so dogs meet them more often than cats do. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or hives; if signs persist or spread, call your vet.
Is gardenia the same as jasmine?
No. The ASPCA lists gardenia under two names, "Gardenia" and "Cape Jasmine," and both point to the same plant, Gardenia jasminoides, in the coffee family — "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats," with the principles geniposide and gardenoside and signs of "Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives." True jasmine (Jasminum) is a different genus with a different verdict — graded S0 Safe on our jasmine page; do not read this page as a verdict on jasmine. If a cat has chewed a gardenia, move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or raised, itchy welts on the skin; call your vet if signs persist or spread.
What happens if my cat eats gardenia leaves or flowers?
A mild stomach upset, and possibly a skin reaction. The ASPCA's whole clinical record for gardenia is one line: "Mild vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives." The toxic principles it lists are geniposide and gardenoside. The hives are what put the plant at S2 Irritant rather than S1 — S1 is reserved for plants whose record stops at the gut, and a skin reaction goes beyond it. The source does not single out a part of the plant, so treat leaves and flowers alike. Move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or raised, itchy welts on the skin. If signs persist or spread, call your vet.