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Is Aesculus hippocastanum toxic to dogs?

Aesculus hippocastanum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What to do if your dog ate aesculus hippocastanum

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move aesculus hippocastanum 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 aesculus hippocastanum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is aesculus hippocastanum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is aesculus hippocastanum toxic to dogs?

Yes — aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats aesculus hippocastanum?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (entered as 'Horse Chestnut'). All parts, especially the seeds (conkers), contain aesculin and other saponins; ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, depression or excitement, dilated pupils, weakness and incoordination, with seizures and coma in severe cases. Conkers also pose a choking and obstruction hazard. 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 aesculus hippocastanum.

What should I do if my dog ate aesculus hippocastanum?

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 aesculus hippocastanum toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Aesculus hippocastanum is toxic to cats as well. See the full aesculus hippocastanum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to aesculus hippocastanum?

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 aesculus hippocastanum pet-safety