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Pet safety

Is Wintertime prickly heath toxic to dogs?

Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — wintertime prickly heath 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. Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries.

What to do if your dog ate wintertime prickly heath

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

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

Is wintertime prickly heath toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is wintertime prickly heath toxic to dogs?

Yes — wintertime prickly heath is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats wintertime prickly heath?

Berries and foliage of Gaultheria mucronata 'Wintertime' contain toxic compounds causing gastrointestinal distress in dogs, cats, and humans. Not individually listed by ASPCA under this cultivar name but the species is widely documented as toxic by horticultural and veterinary authorities. The large white berries are ornamental, not edible. Contact a vet immediately if a pet or child ingests berries. 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 wintertime prickly heath.

What should I do if my dog ate wintertime prickly heath?

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 wintertime prickly heath toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to wintertime prickly heath?

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 wintertime prickly heath pet-safety