Is Dwarf Asian Jasmine Toxic to Dogs?

Symptoms

• Symptoms of poisoning in dogs varies widely depending on the individual dog, the poisoning agent and the amount ingested. Some common symptoms of gastrointestinal distress include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and a loss of appetite. Internal bleeding may cause weakness, coughing up blood, pale gums or collapse, while kidney failure may lead to abnormal thirst or urination. Many symptoms may overlap with different disorders. Cornell University notes that dogs may also have difficulty breathing after eating a poisonous plant.

Treatment

• If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, even by a plant generally regarded as nontoxic, contact your local veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. The ASPCA may charge a consultation fee. The sooner you seek treatment, the greater the odds of your dog surviving the ordeal. Have all the necessary information handy when you call: the size, weight and breed of your dog, and the type and amount of plant matter ingested.

Prevention

• You can help prevent poisoning by monitoring your dog's nibbling habits when walking outdoors. Remove any plant matter from your dog's mouth. Its possible that your dog is eating plants to make up for a lack of fiber in its diet. Cornell University recommends adding bran flakes or more vegetable fiber to your dog's diet to see if that helps curb the habit. Dwarf Asian jasmine may be grown indoors, according to Floridata. Indoor dogs may be tempted to try it out of boredom.

Culture

• Dwarf Asian jasmine is suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 to 10, where it prefers a moderately shady location and well-draining, rich soil that is watered regularly. The plant is capable of growing in full sunlight if soil is kept moist. If you are concerned about the plant's toxicity, you may wish to grow star jasmine. Star jasmine is suitable for a partial to full sun location in USDA zones 8 to 11, thriving in sun or partial shade and well-draining, moist soil.