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Is Alpine Balsam toxic to dogs?

Erinus alpinus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine balsam as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Erinus alpinus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically classed in Scrophulariaceae (now Plantaginaceae), the genus has limited toxicity data. Some historical sources note it contains iridoid glycosides similar to relatives; ingestion by pets may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Caution is advised.

What to do if your dog ate alpine balsam

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move alpine balsam out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of alpine balsam to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten alpine balsam, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is alpine balsam toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is alpine balsam toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists alpine balsam as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Erinus alpinus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically classed in Scrophulariaceae (now Plantaginaceae), the genus has limited toxicity data. Some historical sources note it contains iridoid glycosides similar to relatives; ingestion by pets may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Caution is advised.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats alpine balsam?

Erinus alpinus is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Historically classed in Scrophulariaceae (now Plantaginaceae), the genus has limited toxicity data. Some historical sources note it contains iridoid glycosides similar to relatives; ingestion by pets may cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Caution is advised. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to alpine balsam.

What should I do if my dog ate alpine balsam?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is alpine balsam toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Alpine Balsam is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full alpine balsam pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to alpine balsam?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full alpine balsam pet-safety