Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Is bamboo toxic to dogs? The bamboo becomes toxic to dogs at a certain life stage. At a young age, this plant produces poisonous compounds that can cause stomach problems in canines.
Another danger pawrents should watch out for are bamboo doppelgängers with toxic properties. We will go over them as you continue to read on.
Why Is Bamboo Toxic to Dogs?
The bamboo is technically a grass belonging to the Bambusoideae group of the Poaceae family. Generally, this plant is harmless to canines when in its adult stage but poses a danger during its immaturity.
Researchers have found that bamboo shoots naturally produce toxic cyanogenic glycosides.
These plants are the most toxic when fresh and unprocessed. Human fatalities have also been reported after consuming pickled bamboo shoots.
Take note that bamboo shoots are only edible when boiled in high heat. This method effectively removes their toxins. Be sure to discard the water used for boiling since the cyanogenic glycosides seep into it.
Thus, do not let your dog near fresh bamboo shoots to avoid accidental ingestion. Consuming this plant, particularly in excessive amounts, can result in gastrointestinal distress like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pains.
Do Bamboos Have Toxic Look-Alikes?
Certain species of plants are often mistaken as true bamboos, namely the Chinese Sacred Bamboo and Lucky Bamboo. Both of them produce poisonous compounds that can harm your canine companion.
Chinese Sacred Bamboo
It is scientifically known as Nandina domestica and goes by the names Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina, and Sacred Bamboo.
Despite the plant’s bamboo-like appearance, it is not a grass but an evergreen shrub classified under the Berberidaceae family.
The Chinese Sacred Bamboo is labeled as highly toxic due to the hydrogen cyanide it creates. This poisonous substance is found in the leaves and stems but highly concentrated in the berries.
If your furry pal consumes this plant, neurological symptoms like lack of body coordination and seizures may occur.
Cardiovascular problems such as rapid heart rate and high blood pressure might appear as well. Severe Chinese Sacred Bamboo poisoning can lead to shock, coma, and respiratory failure.
Lucky Bamboo
Scientifically named Dracaena sanderiana, this plant has plenty of monikers, including Chinese Water Bamboo, Friendship Bamboo, Ribbon Plant, and Water Bamboo.
It is an evergreen shrub similar to the Chinese Sacred Bamboo but belongs to the Asparagaceae family. The Lucky Bamboo has a lower toxicity risk since it only produces irritants called saponins.
These compounds are found in all parts of the plant, including the flowers, roots, and leaves. Coming into contact with this plant causes contact dermatitis.
On the other hand, ingesting it induces oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other adverse reactions to watch out for are excessive weight loss, hypersalivation, depression, and pupil dilation.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate a Bamboo Shoot or Toxic Bamboo Look-Alike?
Prevent your dog from ingesting more of the toxic plant by moving him to an area away from it. Then quickly assess the situation by answering the following questions:
- Did he ingest a bamboo shoot or a bamboo look-alike?
- Around what time did he eat the plant?
- What parts of it did he consume?
- What is the estimated amount of plant matter he has ingested?
- Is he showing any symptoms of poisoning?
It would be wise to rinse your pet’s mouth with water or wipe it with a damp cloth if you think he has eaten a Lucky Bamboo. This removes any residue of skin-irritating saponins in his mouth.
Make sure to snap a photo and take a sample of the plant, especially if you are unsure whether it is true bamboo or not. All of this information will prove useful when the veterinarian conducts a diagnostic test on your canine companion.
Read: 12 Poisonous Spring Plants for Dogs
How Is Bamboo Toxicity Treated in Dogs?
The vet will consider administering hydrogen peroxide or ipecac liquid to affected dogs to induce vomiting. This process is commonly done if plant ingestion occurs only a few hours before hospitalization.
It removes undigested plant matter and stops further absorption of toxins in the body. Dogs with bamboo poisoning may also receive activated charcoal, which binds to the toxins to prevent their metabolization.
If gastric symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea are present, IV fluid therapy will be carried out to prevent dehydration. It also reduces toxins in the body by flushing them out through urination.
The veterinarian will prescribe medications depending on the clinical signs taking place. For instance, if stomach upset persists, the dogs affected will receive antiacids and antiemetics.
FAQs About Is Bamboo Toxic to Dogs
1. Does Bamboo Contain Cyanide?
Bamboo shoots contain cyanide, which can cause poisoning in dogs if consumed in large amounts. This toxin may induce gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pains, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Cyanide concentrations in the plant can be reduced by boiling in high heat. This cooking process allows the compound to leech into the water.
Keep in mind to properly dispose of the used water due to the presence of cyanide. If your furry pal drinks it, he is at risk of poisoning.
2. Is Black Bamboo Toxic to Dogs?
Black Bamboo in its full-grown state is not toxic to dogs. This plant is classified as a true bamboo and therefore does not produce harmful toxins upon reaching adulthood.
However, the same cannot be said for Black Bamboo shoots since they carry cyanide. As mentioned above, boiling them can help significantly neutralize their toxins.
3. Is Lucky Bamboo Toxic to Dogs?
Lucky Bamboo is a mildly toxic plant to dogs due to the saponins it produces. It can cause contact dermatitis upon skin contact and oral irritation when ingested.
Saponins also trigger stomach problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Other adverse reactions that might take place are excessive salivation, depression, and anorexia.
4. Can Dogs Eat Bamboo Bones?
Dogs should not eat bamboo bones since these are not edible chew toys. Ingesting them can cause intestinal damage and obstruction. With this in mind, always supervise your pet if he is playing with bamboo bones.
Conclusion
Is bamboo toxic to dogs? The shoots of bamboo are toxic to dogs because they house toxic cyanide. This chemical is known to cause stomach issues like vomiting and diarrhea.
Know that toxic bamboo lookalikes exist, such as the Chinese Sacred Bamboo and Lucky Bamboo.
The former is highly poisonous to dogs and can cause serious ailments like seizures, high blood pressure, and shock. On the other hand, lucky bamboo is a skin and gastric irritant with low toxicity.
