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.

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.

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK 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: Creeping Gaultheria is toxic to cats as well. See the full creeping gaultheria 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.