Is Mountain Laurel toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is Mountain Laurel for pets?
Grayanotoxins throughout the plant (same family as azalea/rhododendron) disrupt nerve and muscle sodium channels, causing drooling, vomiting, weakness, low blood pressure, and cardiac arrhythmias. Severe ingestions can be fatal: treat as an emergency.
Kalmia latifolia
Also called: Laurel, Spoonwood, Calico Bush, and Ivy Bush.
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
As an Amazon Associate, Plant Doctor earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate links cost you nothing and keep Plant Doctor free.
Plant Doctor is free. If it helped, you can
Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about Mountain Laurel
Is Mountain Laurel toxic to cats?
Yes, Mountain Laurel is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is Mountain Laurel toxic to dogs?
Yes, Mountain Laurel is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is Mountain Laurel also called?
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is also called Laurel, Spoonwood, Calico Bush, and Ivy Bush.
More plant lists
Not sure this is the plant you have? Scan it.
Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control classifications, plus named veterinary sources where ASPCA has no entry.
Keep your pets comfortable at home
The family behind Plant Doctor also runs a small pet shop for calm-home basics: beds, calming chews, and enrichment toys.
Browse Apollo's CornerEvery visit helps keep Plant Doctor free.