Toxic
Is gardenia (cape jasmine) toxic to dogs? Yes: toxic
Toxic. Eating gardenia (cape jasmine) can cause mild vomiting or diarrhea and hives in dogs. It is not a true jasmine.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Gardenia (cape jasmine) and dogs: key facts
- Verdict
- Toxic · Call your vet or a poison line
- What it can do
- Mild vomiting, diarrhea and hives.
- What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now. All steps
- Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, Pet Poison Helpline. Reviewed 9 October 2026.
What should I do if my dog ate gardenia (cape jasmine)?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Take your dog away from the plant and rinse its mouth with water.
- Bring a piece of the plant or a photo to help identify it.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Mild vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives
Why
Gardenia contains geniposide and gardenoside, which the ASPCA names as its poisons.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.