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Is Daphne 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, daphne is severely toxic to dogs. The bark, leaves and especially the berries contain vesicant toxins that blister tissue and damage organs.

Also known as: Paradise Plant, Spurge Laurel · Daphne spp.

What makes it toxic

Daphnin and mezerein throughout the plant, which cause severe oral and gastric blistering, kidney injury and neurological effects in larger doses.

Warning signs to watch for

Immediate mouth burning and drooling, swelling of the tongue, vomiting and bloody diarrhea, followed by weakness, tremors and possible kidney failure.

What to do if your dog eats it

Go straight to an emergency vet with a sample of the plant. Rinse the dog’s mouth with water on the way and do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Common questions

My puppy chewed daphne twigs — is that as bad as berries?

The bark is highly concentrated with toxins, so yes, twig chewing can cause the same severe reaction. Treat it as an emergency.

How fast do daphne symptoms appear?

Oral burning and drooling begin within minutes, and vomiting follows within an hour or two. Later organ signs can take a day, which is why early treatment matters.

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.