Is Hibiscus toxic to dogs and cats?

Is hibiscus toxic to dogs?

No vet source confirms it is safe. We could not find a poison-control or veterinary source that rates tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for dogs. The ASPCA's hibiscus page covers Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), a different species, so we do not apply it here. If your dog ate some, call your vet.

Is hibiscus toxic to cats?

No vet source confirms it is safe. We could not find a poison-control or veterinary source that rates tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for cats. The ASPCA's hibiscus page covers Hibiscus syriacus (rose of Sharon), a different species, so we do not apply it here. If your cat ate some, call your vet.

Why we say not verified

The ASPCA has two entries that mention hibiscus, "Hibiscus" (page) and "Rose of China" (page). Both name the scientific species as Hibiscus syriacus, the rose of Sharon. Neither names Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the tropical hibiscus.

Our rule is that a plant gets a green verdict only when a named vet or poison-control source covers that exact species. None did for this one, so the page stays amber. That is a gap in what we could verify, not a finding that the plant is harmful.

In general, PetMD notes that any plant can cause gastrointestinal distress if a dog eats it (source).

Symptoms to watch for

No source we found lists signs for tropical hibiscus in dogs or cats.

In dogs

• No hibiscus-specific signs are listed by any source we found.
• For any plant, PetMD says plant material can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs, so call your vet about vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, loss of appetite or drooling.

In cats

• No hibiscus-specific signs are listed by any source we found.
• Because the effect on cats is unconfirmed, ask your vet or a pet poison line what to watch for.

What to do if your dog or cat ate it

1. Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
2. Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
3. Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
5. Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.

Frequently asked questions

Is hibiscus toxic to dogs?

No vet source confirms it is safe. We could not find a poison-control or veterinary source for tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in dogs. If your dog ate some, call your vet.

Is hibiscus toxic to cats?

No vet source confirms it is safe. We could not find a poison-control or veterinary source for tropical hibiscus in cats. Keep it out of reach and call your vet if your cat ate some.

Is rose of Sharon the same plant as tropical hibiscus?

No. Tropical hibiscus is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The ASPCA's hibiscus entries ('Hibiscus' and 'Rose of China') both name Hibiscus syriacus, the rose of Sharon, so we do not apply them to tropical hibiscus.

What should I do if my dog ate hibiscus?

Remove any plant material, note how much and when, and call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply) or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.

Sources

• ASPCA: Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus): Scientific name of the ASPCA entry.
• ASPCA: Rose of China (Hibiscus syriacus): Scientific name of the ASPCA entry.
• PetMD: Is a Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs? (general statement on plants): General statement that any plant can cause GI distress.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.