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Pet safety

Is mountain laurel toxic to dogs?

Kalmia latifolia

Toxic to dogs

Yes — mountain 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 latifolia are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) which interfere with nerve and muscle function. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death. ASPCA lists Kalmia species as toxic to dogs and cats.

What to do if your dog ate mountain laurel

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move mountain 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 mountain laurel to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is mountain laurel toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is mountain laurel toxic to dogs?

Yes — mountain 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 latifolia are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) which interfere with nerve and muscle function. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death. ASPCA lists Kalmia species as toxic to dogs and cats.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats mountain laurel?

All parts of Kalmia latifolia are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and humans. The plant contains grayanotoxins (andromedotoxins) which interfere with nerve and muscle function. Ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, and in severe cases, death. ASPCA lists Kalmia species as toxic to dogs and cats. 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 mountain laurel.

What should I do if my dog ate mountain 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 mountain laurel toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to mountain 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 mountain laurel pet-safety