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Is Shining fetterbush toxic to dogs?

Lyonia lucida

Toxic to dogs

Yes — shining fetterbush 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 Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access.

What to do if your dog ate shining fetterbush

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

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

Is shining fetterbush toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is shining fetterbush toxic to dogs?

Yes — shining fetterbush is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Like all Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats shining fetterbush?

Like all Lyonia species, L. lucida contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) throughout leaves, stems, and flowers. These sodium-channel-disrupting compounds are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and other livestock, causing vomiting, drooling, bradycardia, hypotension, and weakness. The name 'fetterbush' itself reflects the plant's ability to fetter or impair animals that browse it. Do not allow pets or grazing animals access. 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 shining fetterbush.

What should I do if my dog ate shining fetterbush?

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 shining fetterbush toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to shining fetterbush?

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 shining fetterbush pet-safety