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Pet safety

Is Burr Oak toxic to dogs?

Quercus macrocarpa

Toxic to dogs

Yes — burr oak 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. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; large or repeated ingestion can lead to kidney and liver damage. Whole acorns can also cause GI obstruction. Keep fallen acorns away from pets and livestock.

What to do if your dog ate burr oak

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

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

Is burr oak toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is burr oak toxic to dogs?

Yes — burr oak is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; large or repeated ingestion can lead to kidney and liver damage. Whole acorns can also cause GI obstruction. Keep fallen acorns away from pets and livestock.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats burr oak?

Oak (Quercus) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. The toxic principle is tannins (gallotannic and tannic acid), concentrated in acorns, buds and young leaves. Ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes bloody), lethargy, abdominal pain and inappetence; large or repeated ingestion can lead to kidney and liver damage. Whole acorns can also cause GI obstruction. Keep fallen acorns away from pets and livestock. 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 burr oak.

What should I do if my dog ate burr oak?

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 burr oak toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Burr Oak is toxic to cats as well. See the full burr oak pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to burr oak?

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 burr oak pet-safety