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Are Dogwood Trees Poisonous to Dogs, Cats & Other Animals?

Dogwood trees have raised various speculation among people over the years. We often stumble upon questions such as whether dogwood trees are poisonous to dogs, cats, and other animals.

In this article, we would like to address various concerns associated with dogwood trees. Read ahead to learn more about what animals are attracted to dogwood trees and whether they are toxic for them.

Are dogwood trees poisonous to dogs?

There has never been any evidence that would suggest that dogwood trees are poisonous to dogs. On the contrary, dogs are often found to be attracted to the beautiful blooms of dogwood plants. However, dogs may sometimes experience indigestion upon consuming too many dogwood berries.

Dogwood trees are not considered poisonous to dogs. There has never been any evidence to support that the tree or its flowers have been toxic for dogs. That being said, the berries produced from dogwood trees may sometimes cause indigestion in dogs.

Indigestion caused by dogwood berries may include some side effects as well. Dogs that consume too many dogwood berries may end up experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.  However, these diseases have never proven to be too severe or chronic.

So that is to say, the fruits from dogwood plants are generally safe for dogs. But the red berries produced in the flowers of dogwood trees may cause minor irritation and indigestion in dogs. It gets better after a short while. So dogwood trees are not poisonous to dogs. 

Are flowering dogwood berries poisonous to dogs?

Flowering dogwood berries are not poisonous to dogs. However, they may cause some indigestion in dogs, which in turn causes stomach irritation for them.

The red berries are produced in the flowers of dogwood trees. These berries are too bitter for the taste of a dog. When consumed in large quantities, they can prove to be irritating to the stomach of dogs.

Indigestion caused due to eating flowering dogwood berries may in turn cause vomiting and diarrhea among dogs. Moreover, they can result in complete stomach blockage among dogs of smaller breeds. 

Are dogs attracted to dogwood?

Dogwood trees got such a name for a reason. Dogs are often attracted to dogwood trees, especially when they have fleas.

When our furry friends are infested with fleas, they are often treated using the leaves of dogwood trees. These leaves help get rid of fleas and ticks in your canine friend and offer some relief.

Flea-infested dogs are treated with a solution of crushed leaves from dogwood trees and water. Dogs are therefore attracted to dogwood plants when they have a flea infestation. They sniff around the base of a dogwood tree, perhaps craving a bath with dogwood leaves.

Are dogwood trees poisonous to cats?

No species of dogwood trees are poisonous to cats. None of them have been reported to harm cats. However, the flowering dogwood berries may cause indigestion among cats, which in turn may result in stomach irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. But it gets better within a short while. 

There are various dogwood trees available around us. Each of them has a different blooming season, color of flowers, and berries. However, none of them have been reported to be harmful cats in any major manner.

That being said, dogwood trees have sometimes proven to be irritating to a cat’s stomach. When cats eat the berries of flowering dogwood trees in large quantities, it may result in indigestion.

Indigestion in turn causes them to throw up. Sometimes cats experience loose motion and other forms of stomach irritation as well. However, these side effects don’t cause any long-term harm and tend to go away within a short time.

Do cats like dogwood?

Cats are not particularly fond of dogwood trees. But as evidence would suggest, they are not repelled by it either.

Although cats can eat various shrubs and vegetables, they are not very interested in dogwood plants. The berries of dogwood plants are edible, and cats occasionally enjoy nibbling on them. But they may cause indigestion or stomach irritation in cats.

So, cats do not like dogwood trees. They are rather indifferent to it. When met with it, cats may sometimes nibble on the berries of flowering dogwood trees, but they are not quite fond of it.  Moisturized

What trees are poisonous to cats?

If we’re not careful, our yards, garden, and homes may be filled with trees that are poisonous to cats. Here is a list of trees that are poisonous to cats:

Cyclamen:

Cyclamen is also known as sowbread or the Persian violet plant. These plants are mostly kept indoors. But their roots and tubers may often prove to be poisonous to cats.

Daffodils:

Daffodils, among other plants from the genus Narcissus, are poisonous to cats. Every part of this plant may prove harmful for your cat, often resulting in vomiting, excessive drooling, diarrhea, and more.

Lilies:

Certain types of lilies can be poisonous to cats. Easter lilies are particularly toxic, which may even cause the end of life for your cat.

If you suspect that your cat may have consumed lilies, consult a vet immediately or it may cause some serious trouble.

Are dogwood trees poisonous to other animals?

There is a vast range of animals that eat dogwood trees. Dogwood plants are feasted on by more than 75 species of birds. In addition, rabbits, deers, foxes, chipmunks also eat dogwood trees. Moreover, it hosts a range of butterflies. So, dogwood trees are not poisonous to other animals.

There is a common misconception that dogwood trees may be poisonous to animals. But there is no evidence to support it. Dogwood trees host a range of animals, birds, and insects.

At least 75 species of birds eat flowers and leaves of dogwood plants. Moreover, there is a wide range of animals who eat some part of the tree, including chipmunks, squirrels, black bears, rabbits, foxes, deer, and so much more.

That’s not all, but dogwood plants also provide food for various types of butterflies.

However, the berries produced from dogwood plants may indeed cause irritation for some animals. They are not particularly poisonous, but when some animals come in contact with the flowering berries, they may irritate their skin.

Are dogwood trees good for wildlife?

Yes, dogwood trees are good for wildlife. Dogwood trees are incredibly attractive during their blooming seasons, with bright colors attracting insects, birds, and animals from all around.

Dogwood plants host a range of butterfly species and silk moths. These plants work as great hosts for such insects. In addition, dogwood offers great nectar for pollinating insects, including butterflies and bees.

Moreover, dogwood trees host a wide range of birds. Migrating birds take shelter in these trees as well. The fruits from dogwood plants are eaten by animals such as deer, black bears, rabbits, squirrels, foxes, and more.

What animals eat dogwood trees?

All parts of dogwood trees attract some kind of animal or insect. Animals eat parts of dogwood trees including seeds, leaves, barks, flowers, and fruits. Here is a list of animals that eat dogwood trees:

Birds:

There are more than 75 species of birds that feast on the flowers of dogwood trees. Many migrant birds also eat the fruits and flowers of these plants.

Butterflies:

Dogwood trees often work as a host for pollinators including azure butterflies. They provide both food and shelter for them.

Rabbits:

Rabbits eat the fruits and flowers produced by dogwood plants. There are many such animals who eat dogwood trees.

Are dogwood trees poisonous to humans?

Humans react differently to different parts of the dogwood trees. Not all parts of it are poisonous but some parts of dogwood trees are poisonous to humans.

The dogwood trees that produce white and pink flowers are poisonous to humans. These flowers may prove to be toxic if consumed by humans. In addition, when humans come in contact with the berries of dogwood plants, they may experience skin irritations and rashes.

In recent times, dogwood trees are used mainly as ornamental trees. However, in the past, a large group of Native Americans used to derive medicinal uses from the dogwood trees. The bark of dogwood trees was used to treat diseases such as fever in humans. 

Final Thoughts:

Dogwood trees are not poisonous to dogs, cats, and other animals. These plants host a wide range of insects and animals. But the flowering dogwood berries may cause indigestion and skin irritation when dogs, cats, or other animals come in contact. Dogwood barks, leaves, fruits, and flowers are safe.