Is Andromeda Japonica Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Pieris japonica
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Grayanotoxins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rate
- Collapse
Symptoms in cats
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
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What to do
Treat as an emergency — grayanotoxins affect heart rhythm and can progress quickly even if the pet seems fine initially.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Andromeda Japonica is grayanotoxins.
What makes this plant different
Andromeda shares its grayanotoxin mechanism with Azalea, Mountain Laurel, and Lambkill — all four are members of the Ericaceae family and carry the same disproportionate cardiac danger for ordinary-looking evergreen shrubs.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Pieris japonica
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Also known as
- Andromeda Japonica, Pieris, Lily-of-the-Valley Bush
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Black Laurel
Leucothoe spp.
Bog Laurel
Kalmia poliifolia
Dog Hobble
Leucothoe sp.
Fetter Bush
Leucothoe spp.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control