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Is Climbing Fetterbush toxic to dogs?

Pieris phillyreifolia

Toxic to dogs

Yes — climbing fetterbush is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What to do if your dog ate climbing fetterbush

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

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

Is climbing fetterbush toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is climbing fetterbush toxic to dogs?

Yes — climbing fetterbush is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats climbing fetterbush?

Contains grayanotoxins as with all Pieris species, confirmed toxic to cats and dogs by ASPCA. Clinical signs of poisoning include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death. 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 climbing fetterbush.

What should I do if my dog ate climbing fetterbush?

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 climbing fetterbush toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Climbing Fetterbush is toxic to cats as well. See the full climbing fetterbush pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to climbing fetterbush?

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 climbing fetterbush pet-safety