Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Forest Flame pieris toxic to dogs?

Pieris japonica 'Forest Flame'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — forest flame pieris 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. All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate forest flame pieris

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

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

Is forest flame pieris toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is forest flame pieris toxic to dogs?

Yes — forest flame pieris is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats forest flame pieris?

All parts of Pieris japonica are highly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which cause salivation, vomiting, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Honey made from Pieris nectar ('mad honey') can also be toxic. Keep away from pets and children. 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 forest flame pieris.

What should I do if my dog ate forest flame pieris?

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 forest flame pieris toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Forest Flame pieris is toxic to cats as well. See the full forest flame pieris pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to forest flame pieris?

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 forest flame pieris pet-safety