Yorkie chewed Hibiscus flower - harmful?

Gabrielle19 · 10-16-2009, 07:23 PM

Hi, I'm new, and I need help - please!
I am petsitting for a 2.5-lb. yorkie, 5 months old. He just chewed on a Hibiscus flower, one that had died and fallen off of the plant and was on the floor. It took me a few minutes to get it away from him, because I'm a new person and he wouldn't let me near him so I had to chase, etc. I don't think he chewed any of it OFF/swallowed it. He might not even be capable of that, since he still gets mushy food to eat.

He is not currently showing any adverse symptoms, but it only happened 15 minutes ago. The vet is already closed for the day, but I will call in the morning. How concerned should I be? What should I be looking for, symptoms-wise? Is merely chewing the flower very harmful??

Thank you so much.

lulusmom · 10-16-2009, 08:55 PM

Hibiscus is toxic for dogs and at 2.5 lbs, it wouldn't take much to make your little charge very sick. These little ones can be very fragile so if I were you, I would call an emergency clinic and explain what happened. They will tell you what you need to do. Things can turn on a dime so please play it safe and call the ER vet asap.

NeedleNoseLuvR · 10-17-2009, 08:46 AM

Just to clarify things here. Hibiscus (Althea) syriacus, Rose of Sharon, is toxic to dogs, cats and horses (according to the ASPCA website). However, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Chinese or tropical hibiscus, is not toxic.