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Pet safety

Is Leatherleaf toxic to dogs?

Chamaedaphne calyculata

Toxic to dogs

Yes — leatherleaf 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. Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate leatherleaf

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

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

Is leatherleaf toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is leatherleaf toxic to dogs?

Yes — leatherleaf is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats leatherleaf?

Chamaedaphne calyculata contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout all green parts and flowers, as is characteristic of bog-dwelling Ericaceae. These compounds disrupt sodium channels and cause vomiting, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia, hypotension, and paralysis in dogs, cats, and livestock. The species is not individually listed by ASPCA, but grayanotoxin presence in this genus is well documented in toxicology literature. Treat as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 leatherleaf.

What should I do if my dog ate leatherleaf?

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 leatherleaf toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to leatherleaf?

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 leatherleaf pet-safety