Pet safety
Is Dawn Redwood 'Gold Rush'toxic to cats & dogs?
Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush'
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — mildly
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — mildly
- ASPCA classification
- Mildly toxic to pets · botanical name Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush'
Is dawn redwood 'gold rush' safe for cats and dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA flags dawn redwood 'gold rush' as mildly toxic to cats and dogs — a chewing pet gets oral irritation and drooling rather than a medical emergency, but it is still worth a high shelf. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources describe dawn redwood as non-toxic, but without an ASPCA listing this cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes (mild) | Mildly toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats dawn redwood 'gold rush'?
Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources describe dawn redwood as non-toxic, but without an ASPCA listing this cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to dawn redwood 'gold rush', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate dawn redwood 'gold rush'
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move dawn redwood 'gold rush' out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of dawn redwood 'gold rush' to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to dawn redwood 'gold rush'
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Hoya — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Bromeliad — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Christmas cactus — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- African violet — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Dawn Redwood 'Gold Rush' and pets — frequently asked questions
Is dawn redwood 'gold rush' toxic to cats?
Dawn Redwood 'Gold Rush' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush') is mildly toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources describe dawn redwood as non-toxic, but without an ASPCA listing this cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is dawn redwood 'gold rush' toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Dawn Redwood 'Gold Rush' (Metasequoia glyptostroboides 'Gold Rush') is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like dawn redwood 'gold rush' is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats dawn redwood 'gold rush'?
Metasequoia glyptostroboides is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database. Secondary horticultural sources describe dawn redwood as non-toxic, but without an ASPCA listing this cannot be confirmed; treat with caution and verify with a vet if a pet eats any part. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to dawn redwood 'gold rush', treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate dawn redwood 'gold rush'?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of dawn redwood 'gold rush' to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to dawn redwood 'gold rush'?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include hoya, bromeliad, christmas cactus, african violet. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full dawn redwood 'gold rush' care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete dawn redwood 'gold rush' care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.