Pet safety
Is Bog rosemarytoxic to cats & dogs?
Andromeda polifolia
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Andromeda polifolia
Is bog rosemary safe for cats and dogs?
Avoid for a pet household. Bog rosemary is ASPCA-listed toxic to both cats and dogs; even a small chew can drive a vet visit. Plenty of look-alikes on the non-toxic side of the list — see alternatives below. 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 contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats bog rosemary?
Andromeda polifolia contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary. 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 bog rosemary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate bog rosemary
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move 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 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 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)
Bog rosemary and pets — frequently asked questions
Is bog rosemary toxic to cats?
Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Andromeda polifolia contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary. 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 bog rosemary toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Bog rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like bog rosemary is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats bog rosemary?
Andromeda polifolia contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. All parts are poisonous; ingestion causes nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, and potentially life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia. Keep away from pets and children. The common name 'rosemary' is misleading — it is unrelated to culinary rosemary. 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 bog rosemary, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate 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 bog rosemary to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to 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 bog rosemary care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete bog rosemary care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.