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Cherry laurel is poisonous to dogs if they eat parts of the plant. It is therefore essential to keep your four-legged friend away from cherry laurel.
Is cherry laurel poisonous to dogs? What you need to know
Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is very popular with gardening enthusiasts. Among other things, the plant’s lush green foliage provides optimal privacy in the garden. However, the plant is dangerous to humans and animals if consumed.
- All parts of the plant, especially the leaves and seeds, contain cyanogenic glycosides. These release cyanide (hydrocyanic acid) in the stomach after ingestion.
- Hydrocyanic acid inhibits oxygen uptake in the cells and can lead to shortness of breath, dilated pupils, rapid heartbeat, and ultimately cardiovascular failure.
- Since the leaves of the plant taste very bitter, dogs usually spit them out again. However, this is not the case with cherry laurel berries: they taste sweet and only develop a bitter taste after being chewed thoroughly.
- Small dogs are at greater risk than large breeds due to their low body weight. Nevertheless, you should keep dogs of all breeds away from cherry laurel. Even a few berries can seriously affect your four-legged friend’s health.
Symptoms and first aid for dogs
If your dog has eaten parts of the cherry laurel plant, you need to act quickly. Don’t hesitate for a second, but seek veterinary advice immediately.
- The first signs usually appear shortly after eating. Vomiting and excessive salivation, restlessness, staggering, muscle tremors, rapid breathing, and dilated pupils can be signs of poisoning.
- In severe cases, oxygen saturation in the blood can lead to bright red mucous membranes, respiratory arrest, and circulatory collapse.
- Carefully remove any visible plant parts from the mouth. Be careful not to injure the animal.
- Do not induce vomiting yourself! This could cause the animal to inhale poison residues or injure its esophagus.
- A veterinarian can induce vomiting in a controlled manner, administer activated charcoal to bind toxins, perform oxygen or infusion therapy, and medically stabilize the circulation.
Prevention: How to make your garden safe
As a dog owner, you should avoid planting cherry laurel in your garden if possible.
- Non-toxic plant species such as photinia, privet, bamboo, or hornbeam are also suitable for providing good privacy.
- If you already have a cherry laurel bush, you can cordon off the area with a fence or a gate. Remove fallen berries regularly and, if possible, do not allow your dog unsupervised access to the garden.
- You should avoid using cherry laurel branches as decoration indoors.
Effects of accidental consumption of cherry laurel on different animal species
In general, all animals show similar main symptoms such as vomiting, shortness of breath, or circulatory failure, but their intensity and progression may vary. We have compiled a list of common symptoms by animal species for you:
- Dogs: Stomach problems, vomiting, tremors, and convulsions.
- Cats: Vomiting, disorientation, and shortness of breath.
- Birds: Disorders of the nervous system, respiratory paralysis.
- Rabbits and guinea pigs: Excessive salivation, restlessness, and breathing problems.
- Farm animals (cattle, horses, sheep): clear symptoms such as circulatory problems and paralysis.
