Is Brewer's Mountain Heather toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists brewer's mountain heather 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. Phyllodoce is in the Ericaceae family. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but Ericaceae species broadly contain grayanotoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large quantities, more serious effects. Treat with caution around pets and children; avoid ingestion.

Phyllodoce is in the Ericaceae family. It is not individually listed by ASPCA, but Ericaceae species broadly contain grayanotoxins, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and, in large quantities, more serious effects. Treat with caution around pets and children; avoid ingestion. 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 brewer's mountain heather.

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.

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Brewer's Mountain Heather is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full brewer's mountain heather pet-safety guide for both species.

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.