Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Maleberry - what should I do?
Lyonia sp.
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.
Escalation note
The presence of grayanotoxins makes this plant dangerous to dogs; seek veterinary care promptly if ingestion occurs.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and bring a sample (a leaf or piece of stem) to the clinic for ID. Do not give anything by mouth and do not induce vomiting at home.
What to watch for
Excessive salivation and vomiting often start first, then diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy. The serious signs are weakness, collapse, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and tremors or seizures. Smaller dogs reach dangerous doses faster than larger ones.
Time window
Signs usually appear within 1 to 4 hours, with onset occasionally delayed up to 12 hours. Most dogs that ate a small amount feel better within 24 hours of treatment; serious ingestions can require 48 hours or more of cardiac monitoring.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) immediately on any ingestion. Treat collapse, irregular breathing, persistent vomiting, or any change in heart rate or rhythm as an emergency — go to the nearest clinic.
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew on maleberry are exposed to grayanotoxin — the same heart-affecting toxin found in azaleas and rhododendrons. Even a handful of leaves can trigger vomiting and abnormal heart rhythms in a medium-sized dog. This isn't a watch-and-wait plant; call a vet.
Sources: ASPCA, NC State Extension, MSD Veterinary Manual.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.