Pet safety
Is Daphne laureolatoxic to cats & dogs?
Daphne laureola
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Daphne laureola
Is daphne laureola safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists daphne laureola as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats daphne laureola?
Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to daphne laureola, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate daphne laureola
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move daphne laureola out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of daphne laureola to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to daphne laureola
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Daphne laureola and pets — frequently asked questions
Is daphne laureola toxic to cats?
Daphne laureola (Daphne laureola) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is daphne laureola toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Daphne laureola (Daphne laureola) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like daphne laureola is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats daphne laureola?
Highly poisonous. While Daphne laureola is not individually listed by the ASPCA, the genus Daphne is well documented as toxic to dogs, cats, horses and people. All parts, especially the berries, sap and twigs, contain the diterpene resin mezerein plus coumarin glycosides (daphnin); ingestion causes intense mouth and throat irritation, drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, in severe cases, collapse. The sap also irritates skin. Wear gloves when handling and contact a vet immediately if a pet eats any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to daphne laureola, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate daphne laureola?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice. Bringing a photo or a leaf of daphne laureola to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to daphne laureola?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full daphne laureola care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete daphne laureola care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.