Toxicity to pets

Elderberry foliage and berries contain the toxin cyanogenic glycoside, but the risk for developing cyanide poisoning (clinical signs: rapid onset respiratory distress, seizure, death) following ingestion of elderberry is very low for most species including dog and cat.
The common clinical signs following elderberry exposure are vomiting and diarrhea +/- blood. Signs may be severe if a large amount of plant material is ingested and mild if only few berries/ leaves or herbal supplement ingested. Veterinary treatment is needed if pets consume a large ingestion of plant material or have severe / persistent clinical signs such as multiple episodes of vomiting or any bloody diarrhea.

Common signs to watch for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anorexia
• Lethargy