Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Dog Hobble
Leucothoe sp.
Dog Hobble is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the heath family known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. The plant contains grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by pets.
Dog HobbleFetterbushLeucothoeLeucothoe sp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and potential cardiac irregularities.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and systemic effects; contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and potential tremors or lethargy.
Escalation note
The presence of grayanotoxins makes this plant dangerous to dogs; seek veterinary care promptly if your pet has consumed any part of the plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Leucothoe species contain grayanotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other systemic issues in pets.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Leucothoe is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the Ericaceae family, often used in shade gardens.
Questions about Dog Hobble
Is Dog Hobble toxic to cats?
Yes, Dog Hobble (Leucothoe sp.) is toxic to cats. The plant contains grayanotoxins, which can cause significant gastrointestinal and systemic harm if ingested.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating Dog Hobble?
Signs typically appear within roughly six hours of ingestion and include hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Severe cases can progress to low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and death.
What should I do if my cat ate Dog Hobble?
Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — even if your cat only nibbled the plant and isn't showing symptoms yet. Go to an emergency animal hospital right away if you observe weakness, collapse, a slow or irregular heartbeat, or unresponsiveness.
What toxin in Dog Hobble makes it dangerous for cats?
Dog Hobble contains grayanotoxins, a class of compounds found in plants of the heath family. These toxins can disrupt normal nerve and muscle cell function, which is why ingestion can lead to both gastrointestinal distress and cardiac irregularities in cats.
Is dog hobble toxic to dogs?
Yes, dog hobble (Leucothoe sp.) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains grayanotoxins, which can cause serious harm if ingested, and veterinary care should be sought promptly after any exposure.
What symptoms does dog hobble poisoning cause in dogs?
Grayanotoxin poisoning from dog hobble most commonly causes excessive salivation, depression, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, dogs may develop weakness, tremors, seizures, elevated heart and breathing rates, and potentially cardiovascular collapse.
What should I do if my dog ate dog hobble?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Clinical signs can begin within about six hours of ingestion, and early treatment improves outcomes. If your dog shows neurological signs such as weakness, staggering, or seizures, treat it as an emergency.
How quickly does dog hobble poisoning progress in dogs?
Symptoms of grayanotoxin poisoning typically appear within about six hours of exposure. Recovery time depends on how much was ingested and how quickly supportive veterinary care is provided; cardiovascular collapse is possible in severe cases, so prompt treatment is critical.
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Same safety verdict
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