My dog ate white cedar berries

🚨**ALERT**🚨
Please be cautious with your pets as Melia azedarach (also known as White Cedar, Chinaberry or Cape Lilac) berries are now ripe and falling from trees throughout Australia and New Zealand. This is a common tree in many Australian suburbs and grows in all states and territories.
Pets that eat these berries can potentially develop severe poisoning. The berries are known to contain meliatoxins, however the amount of toxin in the berries is highly variable between individual plants. The first signs of poisoning are typically gastrointestinal upset; excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. If enough berries are ingested, animals may become weak and have difficulty walking. Severely poisoned animals may have seizures and potentially become paralysed. There is no antidote, however early veterinary treatment can be lifesaving.
If you have a White Cedar tree growing in your neighbourhood, ensure you leash and observe your pet whilst near them. If your pet is likely to scavenge, do not walk them directly under the trees as the ripe berries are said to be sweet and highly palatable.
☎ If your pet has ingested Melia azedarach berries, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline is a free service for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand.
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