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Elderberries and poisoning symptoms

5 replies

Doghelp12 · 07/08/2026 23:17

I think I probably already know the answer to this, but I need some reassurance.

Today, when gardening, some berries fell from my neighbour's tree. This tree has always been next to the fence so I can only assume this has happened multiple times before.

Anyway, this time I saw my dog run over and sniff/possibly eat some of the berries. Stupidly, I finished the job I was doing then was curious about the tree, so googled and it identified the tree as elderberries and said the berries were toxic to humans uncooked.

I then checked about dogs and it said risk of cyanide poisoning and to get to the vet ASAP. by this point it had been over an hour.

I arrived at the vet, explained that it had been over an hour, no symptoms and he had eaten etc since the possible consumption.

My the time they took us in, he had been 2 hours. All his vitals (if that's what you call it) were fine, and he was showing no symptoms at all. They recommended charcoal for the next 24, but said it was unlikely he would have cyanide poisoning based on the small amount he possibly consumed.

It has now been about 8 hours, still not symptoms, but I cannot relax.

I watch him sleeping, checking his breathing and heartbeat.

Is there anyone who can reassure me that I am overreacting and that if he was poisoned, he would have had some symptoms by now?

OP posts:
Nousernameideaaga · 07/08/2026 23:19

Sorry OP. I don’t have anything to offer but sympathy.

I think you are maybe in for a long night of watching , but I would think if all is ok by the morning then all will be ok 🐶

Sheep85 · 07/08/2026 23:19

I think he’ll probably be fine. I’ve had elderberry trees in fields with sheep and goats and they’ve definitely eaten some and been fine.
I suspect a lot of elderberries would need to be eaten, a few kilos

Toyesrus · 07/08/2026 23:20

It'll be fine. The vets would err on the side of caution and give him an emetic if concerned. Dogs' digestion are pretty rapid. It's been a really long time. I think you can relax.

Doghelp12 · 07/08/2026 23:28

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the sympathy. He has been completely his normal self. Even causing trouble at the vets, as always.

But now he is asleep, I am panicking. Crazy.

I will keep an eye anyway, while he is blissfully unaware!

OP posts:
Doghelp12 · 08/08/2026 09:57

Just an update. He is still absolutely fine, so I think we are in the clear!

OP posts:
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