Is Black Laurel Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Leucothoe spp.
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Grayanotoxins |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
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
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rate
- Collapse
Symptoms in cats
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
Symptoms in horses
- Colic
- Weakness
- Abnormal heart rhythm
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What to do
Treat as an emergency — grayanotoxins affect heart rhythm and can progress quickly even if the pet seems fine initially.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Black Laurel is grayanotoxins.
What makes this plant different
Black Laurel (Leucothoe) is a shorter, shade-tolerant Ericaceae shrub often planted as woodland groundcover — its grayanotoxin content is identical to its taller relatives Azalea and Mountain Laurel despite its more modest, unassuming appearance.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Leucothoe spp.
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Also known as
- Black Laurel, Dog Hobble, Dog Laurel, Fetter Bush, Sierra Laurel
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Andromeda Japonica
Pieris japonica
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Bog Laurel
Kalmia poliifolia
Dog Hobble
Leucothoe sp.
Fetter Bush
Leucothoe spp.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control