Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Acer rubrum toxic to dogs?

Acer rubrum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists acer rubrum as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Red Maple as toxic to horses but non-toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle (tannins and gallic acid metabolised to pyrogallol by gut bacteria) damages equine red blood cells, especially from wilted or fallen leaves; signs in horses include weakness, dark mucous membranes, discoloured urine and laminitis. Safe around cats and dogs, but keep wilted leaves away from horses.

What to do if your dog ate acer rubrum

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move acer rubrum out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of acer rubrum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten acer rubrum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is acer rubrum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is acer rubrum toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists acer rubrum as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Red Maple as toxic to horses but non-toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle (tannins and gallic acid metabolised to pyrogallol by gut bacteria) damages equine red blood cells, especially from wilted or fallen leaves; signs in horses include weakness, dark mucous membranes, discoloured urine and laminitis. Safe around cats and dogs, but keep wilted leaves away from horses.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats acer rubrum?

ASPCA lists Red Maple as toxic to horses but non-toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic principle (tannins and gallic acid metabolised to pyrogallol by gut bacteria) damages equine red blood cells, especially from wilted or fallen leaves; signs in horses include weakness, dark mucous membranes, discoloured urine and laminitis. Safe around cats and dogs, but keep wilted leaves away from horses. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to acer rubrum.

What should I do if my dog ate acer rubrum?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is acer rubrum toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Acer rubrum is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full acer rubrum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to acer rubrum?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full acer rubrum pet-safety