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Pet safety

Is Spike heath toxic to dogs?

Bruckenthalia spiculifolia

Non-toxic to dogs

No — spike heath is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Bruckenthalia spiculifolia is a monotypic genus in Ericaceae, closely related to Erica. It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Unlike many Ericaceae (which contain grayanotoxins), Erica species themselves are generally considered low-toxicity, and no grayanotoxin or other toxic principle has been reported for Bruckenthalia in toxicological literature. On current evidence it poses minimal risk to pets, though as with any plant, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Is spike heath toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spike heath toxic to dogs?

No — spike heath is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. Bruckenthalia spiculifolia is a monotypic genus in Ericaceae, closely related to Erica. It is not individually listed by ASPCA. Unlike many Ericaceae (which contain grayanotoxins), Erica species themselves are generally considered low-toxicity, and no grayanotoxin or other toxic principle has been reported for Bruckenthalia in toxicological literature. On current evidence it poses minimal risk to pets, though as with any plant, ingestion of large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.

Is spike heath safe for dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists spike heath as non-toxic to dogs and dogs. A dog that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.

Is spike heath toxic to cats too?

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

What other plants are safe for dogs?

Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a dog home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best dogs-safe plants list to check more before you buy.

Full spike heath pet-safety