Pet safety
Is Vancouver Jade Bearberrytoxic to cats & dogs?
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Vancouver Jade'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Vancouver Jade'
Is vancouver jade bearberry safe for cats and dogs?
Use caution. Vancouver Jade Bearberry is on the mildly-toxic side of the ASPCA list. Most ingestions are short-lived but unpleasant for the pet; the cost-free fix is a placement they can't reach. 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. As with the species, 'Vancouver Jade' contains arbutin and tannins. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and a traditional food, but large consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to pets; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) may be harmful to cats or dogs in quantity. Seek veterinary advice before allowing pet access.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats vancouver jade bearberry?
As with the species, 'Vancouver Jade' contains arbutin and tannins. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and a traditional food, but large consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to pets; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) may be harmful to cats or dogs in quantity. Seek veterinary advice before allowing pet access. 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 vancouver jade bearberry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate vancouver jade bearberry
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move vancouver jade bearberry 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 vancouver jade bearberry 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 vancouver jade bearberry
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:
- Cucumber — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Lettuce — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bean — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Pea — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Vancouver Jade Bearberry and pets — frequently asked questions
Is vancouver jade bearberry toxic to cats?
Vancouver Jade Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Vancouver Jade') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. As with the species, 'Vancouver Jade' contains arbutin and tannins. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and a traditional food, but large consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to pets; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) may be harmful to cats or dogs in quantity. Seek veterinary advice before allowing pet access. 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 vancouver jade bearberry toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Vancouver Jade Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi 'Vancouver Jade') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like vancouver jade bearberry is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats vancouver jade bearberry?
As with the species, 'Vancouver Jade' contains arbutin and tannins. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and a traditional food, but large consumption can cause gastrointestinal upset. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to pets; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) may be harmful to cats or dogs in quantity. Seek veterinary advice before allowing pet access. 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 vancouver jade bearberry, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate vancouver jade bearberry?
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 vancouver jade bearberry to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to vancouver jade bearberry?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include cucumber, lettuce, bean, pea. 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 vancouver jade bearberry care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete vancouver jade bearberry care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.