PlantFunJuniper Toxic?
All parts of common juniper, including its characteristic berries, are toxic to humans and animals
The plant contains isocupressic acid, an abortifacient that can trigger pregnancy loss in cattle and other pregnant mammals
Ingestion of small quantities of juniper typically causes mild, self-limiting gastrointestinal inflammation
FAQ
Is Juniper toxic to Humans?
Mild gastroenteritis (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea) from small ingestion; pregnant people may face elevated pregnancy loss risk with significant consumption (Moderate)
Is Juniper toxic to Cats?
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested (Low)
Is Juniper toxic to Dogs?
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested (Low)
Is Juniper toxic to Horses?
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested (Low)
Toxicity Details
Mild gastroenteritis (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea) from small ingestion; pregnant people may face elevated pregnancy loss risk with significant consumption
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested
Limited clinical data available; mild gastrointestinal distress is the most likely expected effect if ingested
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • If ingestion occurred within 10-15 minutes and the affected individual is fully conscious, induce vomiting only if advised by a medical professional
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool, clean water to remove any remaining plant residue
- • Collect any remaining plant material for accurate identification to guide follow-up treatment
Contact Vet Immediately
- • The affected animal is pregnant, as juniper carries confirmed abortifacient risk for ruminants and suspected risk for other species
- • The animal develops persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain after ingesting juniper
- • A large volume of juniper plant material was consumed, even if no immediate symptoms are present
Prevention
- • Keep potted and landscape juniper plants out of reach of children, pets, and grazing livestock
- • Avoid foraging for wild juniper berries for culinary or medicinal use unless you can confirm the species is safe for consumption
- • Never feed any part of juniper plants to pregnant livestock, particularly cattle
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer appropriate decontamination measures such as activated charcoal as directed by a medical or veterinary provider
- • Provide symptomatic supportive care including fluid therapy and anti-emetics to manage gastrointestinal distress
- • Monitor pregnant individuals closely for signs of pregnancy loss for several weeks following exposure
Professional Toxicology
• Isocupressic acid, found in juniper needles and branch tips, exerts abortifacient effects in pregnant mammals
• Monoterpene compounds in the plant's essential oil irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to gastroenteritis
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.