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Is Carolina Jessamine Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, Carolina jessamine is severely toxic to dogs. Every part of this climbing vine contains gelsemine alkaloids capable of causing paralysis.

Also known as: Yellow Jessamine, Evening Trumpetflower · Gelsemium sempervirens

What makes it toxic

Gelsemine and related neurotoxic alkaloids throughout the plant, which interfere with nerve transmission and can suppress respiration.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, weakness, muscle tremors and incoordination within one to two hours, then seizures, slowed breathing and collapse in serious cases.

What to do if your dog eats it

This is a drop-everything emergency. Drive to the nearest emergency vet with a sample of the plant; do not wait to see whether symptoms worsen.

Common questions

How much jessamine will hurt a dog?

Small amounts have caused serious signs. There is no safe quantity, so every ingestion warrants emergency evaluation.

Is Carolina jessamine dangerous to livestock too?

Yes, it is a known killer of livestock, which underlines how potent it is. Keep pets and children away from fences and arbors where it grows.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.