Is Baby's Breath Toxic to Dogs or Cats?

Is baby's breath toxic to dogs?

Yes, mildly. Pet Poison Helpline rates baby's breath (Gypsophila) as mildly toxic to dogs. It says Gypsophila plants contain gyposenin, a saponin, which may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion.

Is baby's breath toxic to cats?

Yes, mildly. Pet Poison Helpline rates baby's breath (Gypsophila) as mildly toxic to cats. The same saponin, gyposenin, may irritate the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion.

What makes it toxic

Pet Poison Helpline says baby's breath and other Gypsophila species contain gyposenin, a saponin, which may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion (source). It lists the toxicity level as Mild for dogs, cats, cows, horses and birds.

One source disagrees on a related species. The ASPCA's baby's breath page covers Gypsophila elegans, not our Gypsophila paniculata, and lists it as non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses while noting that "mild GI upset such as vomiting, and diarrhea may be seen if ingested." We follow the more cautious Pet Poison Helpline reading, which covers Gypsophila species in general.

Symptoms to watch for

Pet Poison Helpline lists these signs for the plant without splitting them by species.

In dogs

• Vomiting
• Anorexia (not eating)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

In cats

• Vomiting
• Anorexia (not eating)
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

What to do if your dog or cat ate it

1. Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move the plant out of reach.
2. Note what was eaten, roughly how much, and when. Keep a leaf or a photo of the plant handy.
3. Call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply), or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
4. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison line tells you to.
5. Follow your vet's advice. Your vet may suggest watching your pet at home or bringing them in for an exam.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby's breath toxic to dogs?

Yes, mildly. Pet Poison Helpline says baby's breath contains gyposenin, a saponin, which may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, and rates it Mild for dogs.

Is baby's breath toxic to cats?

Yes, mildly. Pet Poison Helpline rates baby's breath Mild for cats and lists vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea and lethargy as the signs to watch for.

What happens if a dog eats baby's breath?

Pet Poison Helpline lists vomiting, anorexia (not eating), diarrhea and lethargy. If your dog ate some, call your vet or a pet poison line.

Is baby's breath safe for pets? The ASPCA lists it as non-toxic.

The ASPCA's baby's breath page covers a different species, Gypsophila elegans. Pet Poison Helpline rates baby's breath (Gypsophila) mildly toxic to dogs and cats, so we treat Gypsophila paniculata as toxic and suggest keeping it away from pets.

What is the toxic compound in baby's breath?

Pet Poison Helpline names gyposenin, a saponin, as the compound that may cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.

Sources

• Pet Poison Helpline: Baby's Breath: Gyposenin, mild toxicity levels, symptoms, phone number.
• ASPCA: Baby's Breath (Gypsophila elegans, a different species): Different-species note.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-06. This is a household reference, not veterinary advice.