Bougainvillea Plant Toxicity: Is it Safe Around Pets?

Bougainvillea is popular for its vibrant colors and easy growth, especially in warm climates. However, pet and livestock owners often wonder if this plant might pose risks to animals and humans. This guide provides detailed information on bougainvillea’s toxicity for various animals, from pets like dogs and cats to livestock, and explains symptoms, treatment, prevention, and emergency care steps.

More about Bougainvillea Plant: Bougainvillea plant care | Bougainvillea Benefits

What Makes Bougainvillea Toxic?

Bougainvillea contains mild toxins in its sap, leaves, and flowers, which can cause skin or digestive irritation if ingested or touched.

Bougainvillea is generally low in toxicity, yet it has compounds that can lead to minor irritation. The most notable compounds in bougainvillea are saponins and alkaloids. While saponins can cause mild stomach upset when ingested, alkaloids in the sap may lead to minor skin irritation upon contact. Additionally, the plant’s thorns create a physical hazard, as they can puncture the skin, causing irritation if sap enters the wound.

Toxic Components and Reactions of Bougainvillea

Plant Part	Toxic Compound	Toxicity Level	Common Reactions	Animals Affected
Leaves	Saponins	Mild	Digestive upset (nausea, vomiting)	Dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens
Flowers	Saponins, Alkaloids	Mild	Stomach discomfort	Dogs, cats, goats
Sap	Alkaloids	Mild to Moderate	Skin irritation, redness, rashes	Dogs, cats, humans
Thorns	Physical (non-chemical)	Physical Risk	Puncture wounds, potential infection	All animals and humans
Roots (if exposed)	Saponins	Mild (rare exposure)	Potential for digestive upset	Rarely encountered by pets or humans

Is Bougainvillea Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, bougainvillea can cause mild digestive and skin irritation in dogs.

Dogs are naturally curious and may chew on bougainvillea leaves or flowers if they’re accessible. Though the plant is not highly toxic, ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling due to saponins in the leaves and flowers. The plant’s sap can also cause skin redness or itching, especially in dogs with sensitive skin.

Symptoms of Bougainvillea Toxicity in Dogs

• Gastrointestinal Upset: Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling if the dog consumes bougainvillea.
• Skin Irritation: Contact with the sap can lead to redness or mild itching.

Treatment for Bougainvillea Ingestion in Dogs

• Provide fresh water to help clear the plant matter from their system.
• If your dog has come into contact with the sap, rinse the affected skin area with water.
• Consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist, as they may provide fluids or medication.

Symptom	Suggested Action
Vomiting/Diarrhea	Provide water, monitor closely
Skin Redness/Irritation	Rinse affected area

Prevention Tips for Dog Owners

• Restrict Access with Fencing or Barriers: Place a small fence or barrier around bougainvillea plants to prevent dogs from getting too close. Low garden fences, plant cages, or chicken wire can help keep dogs out of reach while allowing the plant to thrive.
• Choose Potted Bougainvillea: Growing bougainvillea in a large pot or container allows you to keep the plant elevated and out of a dog’s reach. Potted bougainvillea can be strategically placed on porches or patios, providing beauty without the risk.
• Redirect Chewing Behaviors: Dogs sometimes chew on plants out of boredom. Providing a variety of safe chew toys or treats can help satisfy your dog’s curiosity and reduce the likelihood of plant nibbling.
• Consider Pet-Safe Landscaping Alternatives: For a colorful landscape without the risk, consider pet-safe options like marigolds or snapdragons, which are non-toxic and offer vibrant color.

Is Bougainvillea Dangerous for Cats?

Yes, bougainvillea can cause mild stomach upset and skin sensitivity in cats.

While cats are more selective about what they chew, they may still be drawn to bougainvillea. The mild toxins can lead to vomiting and drooling if ingested. Bougainvillea sap may also cause minor skin irritation upon contact.

Signs of Bougainvillea Toxicity in Cats

• Vomiting and Drooling: The mild toxins can upset a cat’s stomach, causing vomiting, drooling, and reduced appetite.
• Skin Sensitivity: Direct contact with sap can lead to redness or itching.

Treatment for Cats Exposed to Bougainvillea

• Provide fresh water to help flush toxins.
• Rinse any affected skin areas gently if your cat comes into contact with the sap.
• Monitor for symptoms and contact a veterinarian if they persist.

Symptom	Suggested Action
Vomiting/Drooling	Provide water, monitor
Skin Irritation/Redness	Rinse affected area gently

Prevention Tips for Cat Owners

• Place Bougainvillea Out of Reach: If possible, grow bougainvillea in a hanging planter or elevated pot where cats cannot access it. This works especially well indoors or on balconies, keeping the plant visible but out of reach.
• Grow Bougainvillea Outdoors in Restricted Areas: Fence off areas where bougainvillea is grown, or plant it in parts of the garden that are less accessible to cats.
• Offer Pet-Friendly Plants: Cats often chew on plants out of curiosity. Providing safe plants like catnip, cat grass, or spider plants can offer a non-toxic alternative.
• Use Bitter Plant Spray: Pet-safe deterrent sprays with a bitter taste can discourage cats from chewing on bougainvillea, keeping them safe.

How Does Bougainvillea Affect Horses?

Bougainvillea can cause minor digestive upset or skin irritation in horses, though they generally avoid the plant.

Horses typically avoid bougainvillea due to its thorns and tough structure, but accidental ingestion or contact can happen if bougainvillea is used as fencing. Ingesting bougainvillea may cause mild colic symptoms, and sap contact can lead to skin irritation or abrasions from the thorns.

Symptoms of Bougainvillea Exposure in Horses

• Digestive Upset: Horses may show signs of colic or discomfort in the digestive tract if they eat bougainvillea.
• Skin Irritation: Contact with the sap or thorns can cause minor abrasions.

What to Do If Your Horse Is Exposed

• Provide fresh water and monitor for colic symptoms.
• Clean any affected areas with mild soap and water and apply an equine-safe ointment if needed.

Symptom	Suggested Action
Colic Symptoms	Provide water, monitor
Skin Abrasions/Irritation	Clean area, apply ointment

Preventing Bougainvillea Exposure in Horses

• Avoid Using Bougainvillea as Fencing: Due to the plant’s thorns and mild toxicity, it’s best to avoid bougainvillea near pastures or grazing areas where horses roam. Consider non-toxic, durable hedges or fencing materials like boxwood or privet hedges.
• Grow Bougainvillea in Protected Garden Areas: Plant it in fenced garden areas that are separate from where horses graze. Ensuring physical separation reduces the risk of accidental ingestion.
• Consider Potted Bougainvillea in Decorative Areas: Growing bougainvillea in pots allows you to place it away from horses, on porches or near buildings, with flexibility to relocate as needed.

Can Chickens Eat Bougainvillea Safely?

No, bougainvillea can cause mild digestive distress in chickens if ingested.

Chickens are natural foragers and may peck at bougainvillea if accessible. Bougainvillea isn’t highly toxic, but it can cause diarrhea or lethargy when consumed in large amounts.

Symptoms of Bougainvillea Toxicity in Chickens

• Loose Stools: Chickens may develop mild diarrhea or watery stools.
• Reduced Activity: Chickens might appear lethargic.

What to Do if Chickens Eat Bougainvillea

• Provide fresh water to help flush the plant from their system.
• Observe their behavior, and if symptoms persist, consult a poultry vet.

Symptom	Suggested Action
Diarrhea	Provide water, monitor
Reduced Activity	Observe and hydrate

Tips to Keep Chickens Safe

• Enclose Bougainvillea in Fenced Areas: Use small garden fences to restrict access to bougainvillea if it’s planted in areas where chickens roam.
• Choose Safer Planting Locations: Plant bougainvillea outside the chickens’ usual roaming areas. Consider placing it along property lines or in garden beds that chickens can’t access.
• Provide Safe, Edible Plants for Chickens: To satisfy their foraging behavior, plant non-toxic greens in their roaming areas, such as parsley or clover.

Is Bougainvillea Poisonous to Goats?

Yes, bougainvillea can lead to mild stomach issues in goats if consumed.

Goats are natural browsers and may be tempted to chew on bougainvillea if accessible. While bougainvillea is not extremely toxic to goats, it can lead to mild digestive symptoms such as loose stools or a slight decrease in appetite.

Symptoms of Bougainvillea Exposure in Goats

• Diarrhea: Loose stools may occur.
• Reduced Appetite: Goats may eat less due to stomach discomfort.

Treatment

• Provide fresh water and monitor for prolonged symptoms.
• Consult a vet if symptoms persist beyond a day.

Symptom	Suggested Action
Diarrhea	Provide water, monitor
Reduced Appetite	Observe, call vet if persistent

Prevention Tips for Goat Owners

• Limit Access in Grazing Areas: If you want to grow bougainvillea, plant it in a restricted area outside the goat’s grazing range. Fencing or plant cages around bougainvillea can help.
• Consider Container Planting for Safety: Growing bougainvillea in a pot allows for more control, keeping it elevated or out of reach.
• Provide Alternative Browsing Plants: Offering safe plants like willow or blackberry bushes can satisfy goats’ browsing needs, reducing interest in restricted plants.

Emergency Care for Bougainvillea Toxicity

If your pet shows symptoms of bougainvillea toxicity, contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

The ASPCA Poison Control Center provides guidance on what to do if your pet ingests or touches a toxic substance. Though a fee may apply, their assistance is valuable, especially in urgent situations.

Steps for Pet Owners in an Emergency

1. Remove Your Pet from the Area: Ensure they don’t eat or touch more bougainvillea.
2. Observe Symptoms: Check for signs like vomiting, drooling, or skin irritation.
3. Contact the ASPCA or Your Vet: Reach out to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your local emergency vet clinic.
4. Avoid Home Remedies: Do not induce vomiting or give human medication without professional advice.
5. Follow Professional Instructions: Your vet or the ASPCA will provide specific steps.