Is Arrowwood Viburnum Shrub Safe for My Pets? A Pet Owner’s Guide

For green thumb pet owners, ensuring your backyard is safe for furry friends is a top priority. Arrowwood viburnum is a popular shrub known for its beautiful blooms and fall foliage. But with a curious dog or playful cat in your home, you may be wondering – is arrowwood viburnum safe for pets?

I completely understand this concern. As a pet owner myself, I’m always careful about what plants I introduce into our backyard. The last thing I want is for one of my furry family members to end up sick from munching on the wrong shrub!

That’s why I did some digging into arrowwood viburnum’s safety. Here’s what pet owners like us need to know about growing this beautiful bird-friendly shrub around our 4-legged loved ones.

What Is Arrowwood Viburnum?

Arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) is a deciduous shrub native to North America

It’s a popular choice for gardens thanks to its:

• White spring blooms that attract pollinators
• Dark green, shiny leaves that turn beautiful shades of red and purple in fall
• Clusters of blue-black berries that birds love
• Ability to thrive in partial shade to full sun
• Deer resistance
• Low maintenance needs

This shrub can grow up to 15 feet tall and wide in USDA Hardiness Zones 2-8.

There are several cultivars to choose from, like Chicago Lustre® and Blue Muffin® arrowwood viburnum.

Is Arrowwood Viburnum Toxic to Pets?

The key toxicity concern with arrowwood viburnum is the berries. Some plants in the viburnum family have berries containing compounds that can cause stomach upset if eaten.

Luckily, arrowwood viburnum berries are not toxic to dogs or cats, according to the ASPCA. The leaves, stems and roots don’t pose a risk either.

That’s because arrowwood lacks saponins, the toxic compounds found in some viburnum relatives like European cranberrybush.

So you can rest easy knowing this beautiful shrub is safe to plant in your pet-friendly landscape. Just supervise pups around the berries and redirect them to approved chew toys if needed.

Pet Safety Tips for Arrowwood Viburnum

While arrowwood itself is pet-safe, there are some general precautions to take when growing it around furry friends:

• Supervise outside time – Keep an eye on pets around any new plant, including arrowwood, until you know they won’t try to nibble on it. Redirect them to a toy if needed.

• Limit access – Fence off shrubs or plant them out of reach to keep curious pets away. This also protects plants from getting trampled!

• Train your pet – Teach them “Leave it” and “Drop it” cues. This is useful for redirecting attention from landscaping to toys.

• Consult your vet – If your pet displays vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms after being in the yard, call your veterinarian right away for advice. Save any plant parts they may have chewed on.

Follow these tips and you can reap the benefits of arrowwood viburnum’s beauty without worrying about your pet’s safety!

The Takeaway: Arrowwood Viburnum is Pet-Safe

Here’s the key takeaway on arrowwood viburnum and pets:

✅ Pet-safe viburnum – Unlike some relatives, arrowwood viburnum lacks toxic compounds and berries are not poisonous to dogs or cats.

✅ Supervise pets – Until you know your pet won’t nibble on it, watch them around arrowwood and redirect if needed.

✅ Limit access – Fence off shrubs or plant out of reach as a precaution, especially for curious pets.

✅ Train pets – Teach cues like “Leave it” and “Drop it” for unwanted nibbling.

✅ See the vet – If concerning symptoms appear after exposure, get veterinary advice immediately.

So breathe easy, fellow pet lovers. With proper precautions, we can enjoy arrowwood viburnum’s natural beauty without putting our furry friends at risk. It’s paws-itively one of the best shrubs for a pet-friendly landscape!