Is Baby's Breath Poisonous to Dogs?

The toxic compound in baby's breath:

• Gyposenin (a saponin) that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion

If your dog ate baby's breath, watch for:

• •Vomiting
• •Diarrhea
• •Anorexia (loss of appetite)
• •Lethargy

Is Baby's Breath poisonous to dogs?

It is, at most, mildly toxic. The ASPCA classifies Baby's Breath (Gypsophila elegans) as non-toxic but notes that mild GI upset such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur if eaten. Pet Poison Helpline lists it as mild toxicity due to gyposenin, a saponin that irritates the gut. It is not considered life-threatening, but ingestion is not harmless either.

My dog ate Baby's Breath from a bouquet - what should I watch for?

Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and lethargy, which usually appear after ingestion and tend to be self-limiting. If your dog ate a large amount, keeps vomiting, can't keep water down, or seems unusually weak, contact your veterinarian. Note that florist bouquets can also carry pesticides or other more toxic flowers (e.g., lilies), so check what else was in the arrangement.

Why does Baby's Breath upset a dog's stomach if it's called non-toxic?

Baby's Breath contains gyposenin, a saponin compound. Saponins are mild GI irritants, so even a plant labeled non-toxic by the ASPCA can cause vomiting or diarrhea when eaten. The 'non-toxic' label means it is not expected to cause serious or systemic poisoning, not that it is completely safe to eat.

• ASPCA - Baby's Breath (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants)
• Pet Poison Helpline - Baby's Breath

Last updated 2026-06-25