Growli

Pet safety

Is Coastal Leucothoe toxic to dogs?

Leucothoe axillaris

Toxic to dogs

Yes — coastal leucothoe 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. ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What to do if your dog ate coastal leucothoe

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

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

Is coastal leucothoe toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is coastal leucothoe toxic to dogs?

Yes — coastal leucothoe is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, weakness, cardiovascular collapse, and potentially death.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats coastal leucothoe?

ASPCA lists Leucothoe (Dog Hobble) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic principle is grayanotoxin, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle tissue. Clinical signs of ingestion include salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea, depression, 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 coastal leucothoe.

What should I do if my dog ate coastal leucothoe?

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 coastal leucothoe toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Coastal Leucothoe is toxic to cats as well. See the full coastal leucothoe pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to coastal leucothoe?

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 coastal leucothoe pet-safety