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Pet safety

Is Bearberry toxic to dogs?

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bearberry 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. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and are a traditional food source, but consumption of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset due to tannins and arbutin. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) present in the plant may cause harm in large quantities. Consult a veterinarian before allowing pets to graze on berries or foliage.

What to do if your dog ate bearberry

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move bearberry 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 bearberry to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is bearberry toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is bearberry toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists bearberry 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. The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and are a traditional food source, but consumption of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset due to tannins and arbutin. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) present in the plant may cause harm in large quantities. Consult a veterinarian before allowing pets to graze on berries or foliage.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats bearberry?

The berries are edible for humans in small quantities and are a traditional food source, but consumption of large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset due to tannins and arbutin. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi is not individually listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs or cats; however, arbutin (a hydroquinone glycoside) present in the plant may cause harm in large quantities. Consult a veterinarian before allowing pets to graze on berries or foliage. 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 bearberry.

What should I do if my dog ate bearberry?

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 bearberry toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to bearberry?

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 bearberry pet-safety