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Is Creeping Gaultheria toxic to dogs?

Gaultheria nummularioides

Toxic to dogs

Yes — creeping gaultheria 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. Like all Gaultheria species, G. nummularioides contains gaultherinin which releases methyl salicylate on hydrolysis. Methyl salicylate is toxic to cats and dogs, with cats being especially sensitive due to slow salicylate metabolism. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, anaemia, and respiratory signs. Do not allow pets to graze on foliage or berries.

What to do if your dog ate creeping gaultheria

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

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

Is creeping gaultheria toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is creeping gaultheria toxic to dogs?

Yes — creeping gaultheria is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Gaultheria species, G. nummularioides contains gaultherinin which releases methyl salicylate on hydrolysis. Methyl salicylate is toxic to cats and dogs, with cats being especially sensitive due to slow salicylate metabolism. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, anaemia, and respiratory signs. Do not allow pets to graze on foliage or berries.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats creeping gaultheria?

Like all Gaultheria species, G. nummularioides contains gaultherinin which releases methyl salicylate on hydrolysis. Methyl salicylate is toxic to cats and dogs, with cats being especially sensitive due to slow salicylate metabolism. Symptoms include vomiting, gastric haemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, anaemia, and respiratory signs. Do not allow pets to graze on foliage or berries. 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 creeping gaultheria.

What should I do if my dog ate creeping gaultheria?

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 creeping gaultheria toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Creeping Gaultheria is toxic to cats as well. See the full creeping gaultheria pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to creeping gaultheria?

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 creeping gaultheria pet-safety