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Is Purple mountain heather toxic to dogs?

Phyllodoce caerulea

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple mountain heather as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Phyllodoce belongs to the Ericaceae family. Like several related genera (Kalmia, Rhododendron), members of the family can contain grayanotoxins and related compounds. Phyllodoce is not individually listed by ASPCA, but due to its Ericaceae family membership and the presence of related toxic compounds reported in the wider family, it should be treated as potentially toxic to pets. Keep away from dogs, cats, and livestock as a precaution.

What to do if your dog ate purple mountain heather

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

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

Is purple mountain heather toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is purple mountain heather toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists purple mountain heather as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Phyllodoce belongs to the Ericaceae family. Like several related genera (Kalmia, Rhododendron), members of the family can contain grayanotoxins and related compounds. Phyllodoce is not individually listed by ASPCA, but due to its Ericaceae family membership and the presence of related toxic compounds reported in the wider family, it should be treated as potentially toxic to pets. Keep away from dogs, cats, and livestock as a precaution.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats purple mountain heather?

Phyllodoce belongs to the Ericaceae family. Like several related genera (Kalmia, Rhododendron), members of the family can contain grayanotoxins and related compounds. Phyllodoce is not individually listed by ASPCA, but due to its Ericaceae family membership and the presence of related toxic compounds reported in the wider family, it should be treated as potentially toxic to pets. Keep away from dogs, cats, and livestock as a precaution. 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 purple mountain heather.

What should I do if my dog ate purple mountain heather?

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 purple mountain heather toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Purple mountain heather is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full purple mountain heather pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to purple mountain heather?

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 purple mountain heather pet-safety