Is Privet Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ 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, privet is toxic to dogs. The hedge leaves and bitter berries carry ligustrin and saponins that cause vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes wobbliness.

Also known as: Common Privet, Ligustrum · Ligustrum vulgare

What makes it toxic

Ligustrin alkaloid and irritant saponins throughout the plant, most concentrated in the berries and foliage.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain and lethargy within hours; heavy berry consumption can lead to incoordination and a racing heart.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take away any berries, rinse the mouth and call your vet with an estimate of the amount eaten. Wobbliness or collapse means an emergency visit.

Common questions

My dog eats berries from the privet hedge on walks — should I stop that?

Yes. Privet berries are genuinely toxic and dogs often return to the same bush. Train a leave-it and change the route during berry season.

Is wild privet worse than golden or Japanese privet?

All Ligustrum species carry the same classes of toxins. Treat every privet hedge as unsafe for chewers.

More plants checked for dogs

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