Pet emergency
My dog ate Trident Maple — what to do
Step by step
- Take trident maple 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 trident maple — FAQ
Is trident maple poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum) as mildly toxic to dogs. Acer buergerianum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Red Maple (Acer rubrum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs but toxic to horses, where wilted leaves cause red blood cell damage via tannins and gallic acid. Treat trident maple with the same caution, keep wilted clippings away from horses, and verify with a vet.
How serious is it if my dog ate trident maple?
Trident Maple 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. Acer buergerianum is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Red Maple (Acer rubrum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs but toxic to horses, where wilted leaves cause red blood cell damage via tannins and gallic acid. Treat trident maple with the same caution, keep wilted clippings away from horses, and verify with a vet. 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 trident maple well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is trident maple toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Trident Maple and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide