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If your dog ate eastern red cedar — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Eastern Red Cedar is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Eastern Red Cedar — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take eastern red cedar away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
  5. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.

My dog ate eastern red cedar — FAQ

Is eastern red cedar poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Juniperus virginiana shares the mild toxicity profile of the Juniperus genus. UC Davis classifies Juniperus species as mildly toxic (class 2) to pets and livestock, with potential for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI irritation from ingestion of berries or foliage. Cedar wood oil extracted from the heartwood can cause skin irritation. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but veterinary guidance consistently advises preventing pets from consuming juniper plant material in quantity. The blue-green berry-like cones attract birds (especially cedar waxwings) and are an important wildlife food source.

How serious is it if my dog ate eastern red cedar?

Eastern Red Cedar 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. Juniperus virginiana shares the mild toxicity profile of the Juniperus genus. UC Davis classifies Juniperus species as mildly toxic (class 2) to pets and livestock, with potential for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI irritation from ingestion of berries or foliage. Cedar wood oil extracted from the heartwood can cause skin irritation. The ASPCA does not specifically list this species, but veterinary guidance consistently advises preventing pets from consuming juniper plant material in quantity. The blue-green berry-like cones attract birds (especially cedar waxwings) and are an important wildlife food source. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.

How do I stop this happening again?

Keep eastern red cedar well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

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