Is Bay Laurel Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Laurus nobilis
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Essential oils (eugenol and others) |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
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What to do
A whole bay leaf swallowed accidentally in food is more of a choking/obstruction concern than a toxicity concern; usually resolves with monitoring.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Bay Laurel is essential oils (eugenol and others).
What makes this plant different
The whole bay leaves commonly used in cooking are usually removed from a dish before serving specifically because they stay tough and are a choking hazard — that same physical toughness means an accidentally swallowed bay leaf is arguably more concerning as an obstruction risk than as a toxin.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Laurus nobilis
- Family
- Lauraceae
- Also known as
- Bay Laurel, Sweet Bag, Bay Tree, Tree Laurel, Laurel Tree, Laurel
- Typically found
- both
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control