27/09/2026
🌳 AUTUMN/WINTER RED BERRY ADVICE 🌳
Throughout Autumn and Winter, the Animal Poison Line receive many calls involving dogs ingesting red berries, whilst on a walk or in the garden. It is often difficult to identify the species of plant, and therefore identify whether ingestion is a toxicological risk for your pet.
• Cotoneaster species, is an evergreen low-growing shrub/tree commonly found in gardens and public parks. The plant bears round bright red berries which can remain on the plant until winter. Dogs will normally be unaffected following ingestion of the berries but they might develop an upset stomach. There is a potential for cyanogenic glycoside toxicity if a large quantity has been eaten but severe Cotoneaster poisoning is rare.
• Yew is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub/tree found throughout the UK. The seed is enclosed in a fleshy aril which is commonly mistaken for a berry. They can appear green, red or even yellow. All parts of the plant are toxic, sudden death is the most common sign in livestock, but few severe cases have been reported in dogs. Vomiting and diarrhoea is common in dogs. However in severe cases, heart problems may occur.
