Is Pieris poisonous to dogs and cats?
Call a vet nowPieris (Japanese andromeda) is poisonous to dogs and cats – call your vet or the nearest emergency vet right now if your pet has eaten any of it. The flowers, leaves and sap/juice are poisonous.
- Dogs Call a vet now
- Cats Call a vet now
What to do right now
- Call your vet or the nearest emergency vet.
- Note which plant, which part, how much and when.
- Take a photo or a piece of the plant with you.
- Remove what is left and move the plant out of reach.
- Keep your pet calm.
Don't
- Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Do not give any human medicine.
Why it can be dangerous
Pieris species contain grayanotoxins, formally called andromedotoxin.[1] Ingestion of these plants can cause a disruption in sodium channels affecting cardiac and skeletal muscle.[1] NC State Extension lists Pieris as a problem for cats and dogs.[2]
Signs to watch for
- Scientific name
- Pieris
- Poisonous parts
- flowers, leaves, sap/juice
What the experts say
“Problems: Frequent Disease Problems, Frequent Insect Problems, Poisonous to Humans, Problem for Cats, Problem for Dogs, Problem for Horses”
Not sure how serious it is?
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Common questions
Is Pieris dangerous for cats too?
Yes. NC State Extension lists Pieris as a problem for cats.[2]
What toxic substance does Pieris contain?
Pieris species contain grayanotoxins, formally called andromedotoxin.[1]
Sources
How this page was made: written with the help of AI from the sources below, then checked claim by claim against those sources. Urgency levels follow OkPaw’s fixed safety rules. It is guidance, not a diagnosis. How we write our pages