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Is African Fern Pine toxic to dogs?

Podocarpus gracilior

Toxic to dogs

Yes — african fern pine 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. Podocarpus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion of the fleshy seed cones (arils) and foliage can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep away from pets and small children.

What to do if your dog ate african fern pine

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

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

Is african fern pine toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is african fern pine toxic to dogs?

Yes — african fern pine is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Podocarpus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion of the fleshy seed cones (arils) and foliage can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep away from pets and small children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats african fern pine?

Podocarpus species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats; ingestion of the fleshy seed cones (arils) and foliage can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Keep away from pets and small children. 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 african fern pine.

What should I do if my dog ate african fern pine?

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 african fern pine toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: African Fern Pine is toxic to cats as well. See the full african fern pine pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to african fern pine?

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 african fern pine pet-safety