Pet safety
Is Blue Ice bog rosemarytoxic to cats & dogs?
Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice'
Is blue ice bog rosemary safe for cats and dogs?
No — blue ice bog rosemary is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it well away from any pet that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, the same toxins found in the species. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Even small quantities cause vomiting, lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension. Contact a vet immediately if a pet has chewed the foliage.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats blue ice bog rosemary?
Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, the same toxins found in the species. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Even small quantities cause vomiting, lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension. Contact a vet immediately if a pet has chewed the foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to blue ice bog rosemary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate blue ice bog rosemary
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move blue ice bog rosemary out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of blue ice bog rosemary to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to blue ice bog rosemary
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Blue Ice bog rosemary and pets — frequently asked questions
Is blue ice bog rosemary toxic to cats?
Blue Ice bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice') is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, the same toxins found in the species. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Even small quantities cause vomiting, lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension. Contact a vet immediately if a pet has chewed the foliage. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is blue ice bog rosemary toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Blue Ice bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice') is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like blue ice bog rosemary is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats blue ice bog rosemary?
Andromeda polifolia 'Blue Ice' contains grayanotoxins throughout all plant parts, the same toxins found in the species. Toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. Even small quantities cause vomiting, lethargy, bradycardia, and hypotension. Contact a vet immediately if a pet has chewed the foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to blue ice bog rosemary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate blue ice bog rosemary?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of blue ice bog rosemary to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to blue ice bog rosemary?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full blue ice bog rosemary care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete blue ice bog rosemary care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.