Is Wahoo Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Euonymus occidentalis
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Cardiac glycosides |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Weakness
- Collapse
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Weakness
- Collapse
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Abnormal heart rhythm
- Sudden death
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What to do
Treat as a life-threatening emergency and get to a veterinarian immediately, even from a small amount.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Wahoo is cardiac glycosides.
What makes this plant different
Wahoo's cardiac glycosides put it in the same dangerous chemical family as Oleander and Foxglove, but it's far less commonly discussed as a pet hazard since it's primarily known as an ornamental shrub for its distinctive fall seed capsules rather than a common houseplant.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Euonymus occidentalis
- Family
- Celastraceae
- Also known as
- Wahoo, Burning Bush, Spindle Tree
- Typically found
- both
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Burning Bush
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control