Yes, laurels are poisonous to dogs. All parts of the plant are toxic, including berries, leaves, and bark. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.
If your dog has ingested any part of a laurel plant, please contact your veterinarian or local emergency clinic immediately.
Laurel Poisoning in Dogs
Laurel poisoning in dogs can occur when dogs ingest parts of the laurel plant, which belongs to the genus Prunus and includes plants such as cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) or mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia).
These plants contain toxic substances called grayanotoxins and other toxins like diterpenes, which can be harmful to dogs if ingested in sufficient quantities.
The toxic components in laurel plants can affect a dog’s nervous system and cardiovascular system, leading to various symptoms of poisoning, including:
Gastrointestinal Upset: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and drooling may occur shortly after ingestion.
Neurological Symptoms: Laurel poisoning can cause neurological signs such as weakness, tremors, seizures, disorientation, and incoordination.
Cardiovascular Effects: Dogs affected by laurel poisoning may experience changes in heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, and potential cardiovascular collapse in severe cases.
Respiratory Distress: In some instances, laurel poisoning can lead to difficulty breathing or respiratory issues.
Which Type of Laurel is Poisonous
Several types of laurel plants contain toxic substances that can be harmful to both humans and animals if ingested. The two main types of laurel known for their toxicity are:
Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus)
This evergreen shrub is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Cherry laurel contains toxic compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, particularly amygdalin, which can release cyanide when ingested.
All parts of the cherry laurel plant, including leaves, stems, and seeds (particularly the pits within the berries), contain these toxic compounds.
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
Also known as calico bush, mountain laurel is a flowering shrub native to eastern North America. It contains grayanotoxins, which can affect the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
All parts of the mountain laurel plant, including leaves, flowers, stems, and twigs, contain these toxic substances.
Both cherry laurel and mountain laurel are considered poisonous plants to dogs, cats, and other animals if ingested in sufficient quantities.
Symptoms
If a dog has ingested laurel berries or other toxic parts of a laurel plant, they may exhibit various symptoms of poisoning. The specific symptoms can vary depending on factors such as the type of laurel plant, the amount ingested, and the individual dog’s sensitivity.
Here are some common symptoms that can be seen in cases of laurel poisoning in dogs:
- Weakness and Lethargy: Dogs may appear weak, fatigued, or lethargic. They may be less active than usual and have a lack of energy.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Dogs may experience vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and excessive drooling. These symptoms are often the first signs of laurel poisoning.
- Tremors and Seizures: Laurel poisoning can cause neurological symptoms in dogs, including muscle tremors and seizures. These involuntary movements can range from mild trembling to more severe convulsions.
- Difficulty Breathing: If large amounts of laurel berries or toxic plant parts are ingested, dogs may have difficulty breathing. This can manifest as rapid breathing, panting, or even respiratory distress.
- Coma or Loss of Consciousness: Laurel poisoning can lead to a loss of consciousness or a coma-like state.
- Abnormal Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Dogs may exhibit changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be detected through veterinary examination.
If you suspect your dog has ingested laurel berries or other toxic parts of a laurel plant and they are displaying any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary attention.
Treatments
The treatment for laurel poisoning in dogs will depend on the specific circumstances, including the type and amount of laurel ingested, the symptoms exhibited by the dog, and the veterinarian’s assessment.
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by laurel, it is essential to seek veterinary care immediately. The following are some potential treatments that may be employed:
Inducing Vomiting: If the ingestion occurred recently and the dog is not exhibiting severe symptoms, the veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the toxic material from the dog’s stomach. This is typically done using medications or by administering a solution to trigger vomiting.
Supportive Care: Dogs with laurel poisoning may require supportive care to manage their symptoms and stabilize their condition. This can include intravenous fluids to maintain hydration, medications to control vomiting or diarrhea, and treatments to address specific symptoms such as seizures or difficulty breathing.
Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal may be given to the dog to help absorb the toxins and prevent their absorption into the bloodstream. This treatment is often administered in cases of recent ingestion and can help reduce the severity of poisoning.
Specific Antidotes: Specific antidotes may be administered to counteract the effects of the toxins. This will depend on the specific toxins involved and the availability of antidotal treatments.
Monitoring and Observation: The veterinarian will closely monitor the dog’s vital signs, such as heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure. They may also conduct blood tests to assess organ function and check for any abnormalities.
Are Laurels Toxic to Dogs?
Laurels (of the genus Prunus) are ornamental shrubs or trees with shiny, evergreen leaves. All parts of the laurel plant are toxic to dogs if ingested, including the berries, leaves, flowers and bark.
Symptoms of laurel poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors and seizures. If you suspect your dog has eaten any part of a laurel plant, call your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately.
Is Mount Laurel Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes, mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is considered poisonous to dogs. All parts of the mountain laurel plant contain toxic substances known as grayanotoxins.
If a dog ingests any part of the mountain laurel plant, such as leaves, flowers, stems, or twigs, it can lead to laurel poisoning.
Symptoms of mountain laurel poisoning in dogs may include gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea), neurological symptoms (weakness, tremors, seizures), cardiovascular effects (abnormal heart rate, irregular heartbeat), difficulty breathing.
It can result in potentially life-threatening conditions. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a mountain laurel plant or is displaying any symptoms of poisoning, it’s crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
What are the Symptoms of Laurel Poisoning?
Laurel poisoning occurs when a person ingests any part of the laurel plant. The symptoms of laurel poisoning can vary depending on how much of the plant was consumed and what parts of the plant were ingested.
Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. More severe cases may also cause seizures or respiratory paralysis.
If you suspect that someone has ingested any part of the laurel plant, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as Laurel poisoning can be fatal.
Are Fresh Laurel Leaves Poisonous?
It is a common misconception that fresh laurel leaves are poisonous. This is not the case! Laurel leaves are actually quite safe to consume and have been used as a food source in many cultures for centuries.
The leaves do contain small amounts of cyanide, but this is not enough to cause any harm to humans unless consumed in large quantities. If you’re looking for a tasty way to use up some fresh laurel leaves.
My Dog Ate Laurel Berries
If your dog ate laurel berries, don’t panic! These berries are not poisonous to dogs. However, they can cause gastrointestinal upset, so your dog may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog ate a large amount of laurel berries, he may also experience abdominal pain and bloating. If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian for advice on how to treat him.
Conclusion
Yes, laurels are poisonous to your furry friends. All parts of the plant are toxic, including the leaves, stems, flowers, and berries. Symptoms of Laurel poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, tremors, and seizures.
