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Pet safety

Is Bog Laurel toxic to dogs?

Kalmia polifolia

Toxic to dogs

Yes — bog laurel is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Kalmia polifolia are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which affect sodium channels in cardiac and nerve cells. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Even honey produced from the nectar can be toxic. RHS classifies it as 'harmful if eaten'; wear gloves when handling. Keep away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate bog laurel

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move bog laurel out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of bog laurel to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten bog laurel, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is bog laurel toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is bog laurel toxic to dogs?

Yes — bog laurel is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Kalmia polifolia are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which affect sodium channels in cardiac and nerve cells. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Even honey produced from the nectar can be toxic. RHS classifies it as 'harmful if eaten'; wear gloves when handling. Keep away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats bog laurel?

All parts of Kalmia polifolia are highly toxic. Contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins), which affect sodium channels in cardiac and nerve cells. Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Even honey produced from the nectar can be toxic. RHS classifies it as 'harmful if eaten'; wear gloves when handling. Keep away from pets and children. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to bog laurel.

What should I do if my dog ate bog laurel?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is bog laurel toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Bog Laurel is toxic to cats as well. See the full bog laurel pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to bog laurel?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full bog laurel pet-safety