Pet emergency
My dog ate Columnar Italian Cypress — what to do
Step by step
- Take columnar italian cypress away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate columnar italian cypress — FAQ
Is columnar italian cypress poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Columnar Italian Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens 'Stricta') as mildly toxic to dogs. Cupressus sempervirens is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic. The foliage and cones may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten; treat as low-risk but discourage ingestion.
How serious is it if my dog ate columnar italian cypress?
Columnar Italian Cypress is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Cupressus sempervirens is not listed by the ASPCA as toxic. The foliage and cones may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if eaten; treat as low-risk but discourage ingestion. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep columnar italian cypress well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is columnar italian cypress toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Columnar Italian Cypress and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide