Can a Chihuahua eat hydrangeas?
NO. Cyanogenic glycosides.
Why
The leaves and flowers release cyanide when metabolized. It takes a fairly large amount, but a Chihuahua who chews on it again and again can build up a toxic dose.
Symptoms if he ate it
They can show up anywhere from minutes to hours after eating it. Any combination of these signs means calling the vet without waiting.
- ⚠️ Vomiting
- ⚠️ Diarrhea
- ⚠️ Lethargy
- ⚠️ Trouble breathing
If your Chihuahua ate hydrangeas:
- 1. Call your vet or a 24-hour emergency clinic. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
- 2. Bring the package or whatever is left of it, if you can.
- 3. Do NOT make him throw up unless a professional tells you to.
- 4. Write down the time and roughly how much he ate.
What to give him instead of hydrangeas
An adult Chihuahua weighs about 3 to 6 pounds, so an amount that wouldn't bother a big dog can be serious for him. That's why there's no margin with dangerous foods: the best plan is to keep them out of his reach entirely. His diet should be built on a good-quality dry food made for toy breeds, and treats shouldn't go over 10% of his daily calories.
This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed veterinarian. Every Chihuahua can react differently; if in doubt, always check with a professional.