Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Doghobble safe for dogs?
Leucothoe spp.
Leucothoe is a genus of evergreen shrubs known for their arching branches and drooping clusters of bell-shaped flowers. These plants contain grayanotoxins, which are harmful if ingested by household pets.
Black LaurelDoghobbleFetterbushLeucothoe spp.
- Light
- Partial shade to full shade
- Habit
- Shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Doghobble (also called black laurel) is toxic to dogs because its leaves contain grayanotoxins, which disrupt sodium channels in the heart and nervous system. ASPCA notes that ingestion of just a few leaves can cause serious problems, so any chewing warrants a vet call.
What to watch for
Hypersalivation and vomiting tend to come first, often with diarrhea, depression, and weakness. With larger ingestions, expect low blood pressure, cardiovascular collapse, coma, and potentially death.
Time window
Signs usually appear within 1–4 hours of ingestion, occasionally as late as 12 hours.
When to call the vet
Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately for any suspected ingestion — do not wait. Head straight to emergency care if your dog is collapsing, unresponsive, or has an irregular pulse.
Sources: ASPCA, Merck Veterinary Manual (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and potential tremors or cardiac distress.
Escalation note
The plant is considered highly toxic to dogs; seek emergency veterinary care if any part of the plant is consumed.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Black Laurel contains grayanotoxins which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and cardiovascular issues in pets.
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Azalea
Rhododendron spp
Azaleas are flowering shrubs in the Rhododendron genus that contain grayanotoxins, which can cause significant illness if ingested by pets. These plants are highly toxic and require immediate veterinary attention if consumption is suspected.
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Barbados Pride
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Barbados Pride is a flowering shrub known for its striking yellow flowers and long red stamens. It contains compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
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