Is Skimmia Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Mild

✅ 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, skimmia is mildly toxic to dogs. Eating the glossy red berries or leaves can cause vomiting and diarrhea, though serious outcomes are rare.

Also known as: Japanese Skimmia, Skimmia Japonica · Skimmia japonica

What makes it toxic

Alkaloid and irritant compounds in berries and foliage. Evidence is mostly from plant-poisoning guides and gardener reports rather than detailed studies, so caution is advised.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, mild diarrhea and lethargy within a few hours of ingestion, typically resolving within a day.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take away the berries, offer water and watch for a day. Call your vet if vomiting continues or the dog seems painful; tremors or collapse need emergency care.

Common questions

My dog ate skimmia berries from the front garden — what should I do?

Estimate how many were eaten, rinse the mouth and monitor. A handful of berries warrants a vet call, especially for a small dog.

Does skimmia stay toxic through winter?

Yes. The berries persist on the shrub for months, so autumn and winter walks past the same hedge repeat the exposure risk.

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.