Is laburnum poisonous to dogs?

Updated 29/09/2023

It’s true: there's nothing like an outdoor adventure with (Hu)man’s Best Friend, but we pet parents need to be on high alert - after all, there are so many poisonous plants and flowers that we need to keep far away from Fido! 

It's hard to deny that laburnum - otherwise known as the 'golden chain tree', on account of its bright yellow and chain-like flowering vines - is a darn pretty sight to behold. But could this deciduous tree pose a risk to our pooch pals - is laburnum poisonous to dogs? Let’s find out. 

Are laburnum trees poisonous to dogs?

Yes - all parts of the laburnum tree are poisonous to dogs, including the pods, flowers, buds, leaves, bark and wood - but the seeds are particularly poisonous to dogs, and consuming just a single seed can cause our pooch pals some serious damage. 

Laburnum is packed full of lupine alkaloids that can make dogs (and other small animals and children) very sick if consumed. While the seeds contain the highest concentration of lupine alkaloids (making them the most dangerous), consuming any part of the plant can lead to a whole host of distressing symptoms - and can be fatal.

Laburnum poisoning in dogs

Symptoms

As with many other poisonous plants, the signs and symptoms of laburnum poisoning can vary depending on how much and what part of the tree your pooch consumed - from nausea and sickness to much more sinister symptoms, and in some cases, even death. Here’s a list of some of the most common symptoms to be aware of:

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Drowsiness 
• Lethargy 
• Ataxia (difficulty walking, speaking or swallowing)
• Loss of coordination 
• Rapid breathing 
• Increased thirst 
• Dehydration 
• Blue tinge to the skin 
• Agitation/nervousness 
• Cold/clammy skin 
• Seizures
• Dizziness 
• Drowsiness 
• Shaking
• Weakness

Diagnosis

Laburnum poisoning, if left untreated, can be fatal - so it's extremely important that your dog is seen by a vet and treated as quickly as possible in cases of suspected poisoning. If possible, bring a piece of the offending plant in question along with you to the vet’s office to help speed up the diagnosis, and be sure to give your vet as much info as you can (such as how much was consumed, the approximate time of ingestion, and which part of the plant was eaten). 

While only your vet can advise on the proper course of treatment for your pooch, in most cases, diagnosis will include a full physical exam plus tests such as a full blood screen, blood pressure readings, and urinalysis. Additional tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound scan, may also be needed in cases where the vet is concerned the plant or seeds are causing a blockage in your pooch's stomach or intestines.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your dog's symptoms and on the result of your dog's examination, and so, only your veterinarian will be able to advise on the best course of treatment. However, in most cases of laburnum poisoning, vomiting will be induced and activated charcoal administered to help flush out and absorb the toxins from your dog's system, and IV fluids may be needed to aid recovery and rehydrate your pooch. Your dog may need to be kept in for observation and for any additional treatments as prescribed by your vet. Sadly, laburnum posioning can be fatal in some cases, even with veterinary treatment. 

Laburnum poisoning is no joke - act fast and seek the advice of your veterinarian as soon as possible if you suspect your pooch has consumed any part of the laburnum tree.

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

Unsurprisingly, laburnum isn’t the only plant that can cause our pooches harm. Here are a few other plants and flowers that are poisonous to dogs: 

• Azaleas
• Wisteria
• Geraniums
• Belladonna
• Chrysanthemum
• Aloe vera