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Is Laurel Hedge (Cherry Laurel) Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Severe
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, cherry laurel is severely toxic to dogs. Chewing the glossy leaves releases cyanogenic compounds that can cause cyanide poisoning.

Also known as: English Laurel, Common Laurel · Prunus laurocerasus

What makes it toxic

Cyanogenic glycosides concentrated in leaves and seeds, which convert to hydrogen cyanide when the plant tissue is crushed or wilting.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, rapid then labored breathing, bright red gums, weakness, trembling and collapse, sometimes within one to two hours.

What to do if your dog eats it

This is an emergency. Get the dog to an emergency vet immediately with a leaf sample; do not wait for breathing changes to develop.

Common questions

My dog chewed laurel hedge trimmings — what do I do?

Fresh or wilted clippings are both dangerous. Go to the vet now for possible decontamination rather than monitoring at home.

How much cherry laurel leaf is dangerous for a dog?

Quantities as small as a few chewed leaves have caused serious signs in dogs. There is no safe amount to experiment with.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.