Jasmine is a popular flowering plant known for its beautiful flowers and sweet fragrance. But is this plant safe for dogs? The short answer is – it depends on the type of jasmine. Some jasmine plants are completely harmless to dogs, while others can be quite dangerous. So it’s important for dog owners to be able to identify the different types of jasmine and understand their toxicity levels.
An Overview of Jasmine Plants
There are over 200 species of jasmine plants, most belonging to the genus Jasminum. The most common types are
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Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) – small white flowers with a sweet scent Used to make jasmine tea
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Common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) – an invasive vine with white flowers Native to Iran
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Primrose Jasmine (Jasminum mesnyi) – yellow flowers on a vine. Native to China.
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Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) – bright yellow flowers that bloom in winter.
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Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – a vine with small, star-shaped white flowers.
There are also some plants commonly known as “jasmine” that are not true jasmines, such as:
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Carolina Jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens)
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Night-blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum)
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Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)
Are Jasmine Plants Toxic to Dogs?
The true jasmines (Jasminum species) are generally considered safe for dogs. According to the ASPCA, jasmine plants are non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
However, berries that sometimes form on jasmine vines may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. And some dogs may have skin sensitivities or allergies to jasmine pollen.
The non-jasmine “jasmines” are more problematic. Carolina Jasmine and Night-blooming Jasmine contain toxins that can cause serious illness or even death if ingested by dogs. And Cape Jasmine can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
So it’s important to properly identify the exact species of any jasmine plant before determining its safety for dogs. When in doubt, it’s best to keep your dog away from the plant or remove it from your home and garden.
Symptoms of Jasmine Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog ingests a toxic jasmine plant, here are some symptoms to watch for:
Carolina Jasmine
- Muscle weakness, paralysis
- Excessive drooling
- Dilated pupils
- Slowed heart rate
- Respiratory failure
Night-blooming Jasmine
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
- Hypersalivation
- Low body temperature
Non-Toxic Jasmines
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Hypersalivation
- Lethargy
Note: The above symptoms can occur within minutes to hours after ingestion.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a jasmine plant, take him to the vet immediately. Bring along a sample of the plant, if possible, to help identify it.
The vet will induce vomiting if ingestion was recent. For toxin removal, activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, and other supportive treatments may be used.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs recover fully. However, severe poisoning cases can potentially be fatal.
Is Jasmine Tea Safe for Dogs?
Jasmine tea is traditionally made from Arabian Jasmine, which is not toxic to dogs. However, jasmine tea still contains caffeine, so it’s best limited to small amounts occasionally. Caffeine can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, heart palpitations and restlessness in dogs.
Safe Jasmine Alternatives for Dogs
If you want flowering plants in your home and garden without endangering your dog, here are some safe jasmine alternatives:
- Roses
- Lavender
- Gardenias
- Honeysuckle
- Orchids
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Snapdragons
These plants are non-toxic for dogs. But supervise your dog when outside among any plants to prevent ingestion.
Final Word on Jasmine and Dogs
When it comes to jasmine safety for dogs, not all plants with “jasmine” in the name are created equal. True jasmines are generally benign, but Carolina, Night-blooming, and Cape Jasmine can be highly toxic.
The takeaway is to properly identify jasmine plants by their scientific name and research toxicity before allowing contact with your dog. Common sense precautions will help avoid any risks. So enjoy the beauty and fragrance of jasmine safely with your four-legged friends.
Causes of Jessamine Poisoning in Dogs
These are some of the risk factors for Jessamine poisoning.
- Yellow jessamine growing in your garden
- Night-blooming or day blooming jessamine growing in your garden
- Living in a warmer climate zone
- Dogs that tend to eat plants
- Smaller dogs
Diagnosis of Jessamine Poisoning in Dogs
Diagnosis of jessamine poisoning will be based on a history of ingestion and potential exposure. If you didn’t see your dog eat the plant, finding leaves or flowers that it has chewed on in its mouth can be a good sign. Dog owners should be aware of these plants if they are known to be growing nearby because they can cause sudden poisoning symptoms.
Call a poison helpline and/or get veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Describe the plant exactly and bring a sample for identification if possible. Store the sample in a sealed container and wash your hands after touching the plant. The veterinarian will help confirm whether your dog’s symptoms correspond with the toxins in the plant. Blood tests may also be taken to determine the level of toxicity. Dogs that regularly eat a small amount of Cestrum species may also have higher calcium levels in their blood when it is tested for something else.
10 TOXIC PLANTS for DOGS and Their Effects ❌
FAQ
Are Jasmine flowers poisonous?
Which Jasmine is not poisonous?
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