Is Caryopteris incana toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists caryopteris incana 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. Caryopteris incana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. No significant toxic principle is documented, but ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or drooling in cats and dogs.

Caryopteris incana is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database, so its status is unconfirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet. No significant toxic principle is documented, but ingestion of foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting or drooling in cats and dogs. 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 caryopteris incana.

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: Caryopteris incana is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full caryopteris incana 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.