Is Bog Laurel Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Kalmia poliifolia
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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 Bog Laurel is grayanotoxins.
What makes this plant different
Bog Laurel grows in wetland habitats rather than typical garden settings, making it a more likely hazard for pets with access to bogs or marshy areas than for houseplant-focused households.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Kalmia poliifolia
- Family
- Ericaceae
- Also known as
- Bog Laurel, Pale Laurel, Bog Kalmia
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
Andromeda Japonica
Pieris japonica
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Black Laurel
Leucothoe spp.
Dog Hobble
Leucothoe sp.
Fetter Bush
Leucothoe spp.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control