Is Jasmine Poisonous to Dogs?

True jasmine (Jasminum species, family Oleaceae) is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs (and also non-toxic to cats and horses). The plant itself is not expected to cause poisoning. As with any non-food plant, a dog that eats a large quantity of leaves or flowers may still get mild, self-limiting stomach upset (vomiting or diarrhea) simply from the fibrous plant material, and stems can pose a minor choking or gastrointestinal-obstruction risk in small dogs. CRITICAL CAVEAT: several unrelated plants are commonly sold or nicknamed 'jasmine' but are genuinely toxic, so identify the exact plant before assuming safety. Carolina jasmine / yellow jasmine / jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens, family Gelsemiaceae) contains neurotoxic alkaloids (gelsemine, gelseminine) throughout the plant and is dangerously toxic to dogs; the Pet Poison Helpline warns that even one flower can be fatal, with signs including muscle weakness, incoordination, seizures, respiratory depression and death. Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides, family Rubiaceae) is listed toxic by the ASPCA (toxic principles genioposide and gardenoside) and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hives. Day-blooming / night-blooming 'jasmine' (Cestrum species) is also toxic. If you are not certain the plant is true Jasminum, treat any ingestion as potentially toxic and contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Is jasmine poisonous to dogs?

True jasmine (Jasminum species) is not poisonous to dogs. The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses with no toxic principles. Eating a large amount of any plant can still cause mild, temporary stomach upset, but true jasmine is not considered a poisoning hazard.

Which 'jasmine' plants are actually dangerous for dogs?

Several toxic plants carry 'jasmine' in their common name and are easily confused with true jasmine. Carolina jasmine / yellow jasmine / jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is the most dangerous; the Pet Poison Helpline says even one flower can be fatal because of its neurotoxic alkaloids. Cape jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides) is also listed toxic by the ASPCA and causes vomiting, diarrhea and hives. Always confirm the exact species before assuming a 'jasmine' is safe.

My dog ate some jasmine leaves. What should I do?

If you are certain it is true jasmine (Jasminum species), serious poisoning is not expected; watch for mild vomiting or diarrhea and offer water. If you cannot confirm the species, or it could be Carolina/yellow jasmine (Gelsemium) or Cape jasmine (Gardenia), treat it as a possible poisoning and contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) right away, ideally with a photo of the plant.

• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants - Jasmine (Jasminum species)
• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants - Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
• ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants - Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides)
• Pet Poison Helpline - Jessamine (Gelsemium)

Last updated 2026-06-25