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If your dog ate scarlet leucothoe — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Scarlet Leucothoe is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Scarlet Leucothoe — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take scarlet leucothoe away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.

This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate scarlet leucothoe — FAQ

Is scarlet leucothoe poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Scarlet Leucothoe (Leucothoe fontanesiana 'Scarletta') as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium-ion channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, coma, and death.

How serious is it if my dog ate scarlet leucothoe?

Scarlet Leucothoe is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium-ion channels in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Ingestion of even a few leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, hypersalivation, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, low blood pressure, coma, and death. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.

Should I make my dog vomit?

No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep scarlet leucothoe well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

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