Pet safety
Is Hiba Arborvitae toxic to dogs?
Thujopsis dolabrata
Mildly. The ASPCA lists hiba arborvitae 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. Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage.
What to do if your dog ate hiba arborvitae
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move hiba arborvitae 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 hiba arborvitae to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten hiba arborvitae, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is hiba arborvitae toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is hiba arborvitae toxic to dogs?
Mildly. The ASPCA lists hiba arborvitae 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. Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats hiba arborvitae?
Thujopsis dolabrata is not individually listed by ASPCA. As a member of the Cupressaceae family, it contains volatile monoterpenes including thujone-related compounds that may cause gastrointestinal irritation in pets if ingested. Treat with the same precautions as Thuja species and prevent pets from browsing foliage. 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 hiba arborvitae.
What should I do if my dog ate hiba arborvitae?
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 hiba arborvitae toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hiba Arborvitae is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full hiba arborvitae pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to hiba arborvitae?
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 hiba arborvitae pet-safety
- Is hiba arborvitae toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is hiba arborvitae toxic to cats?
- My dog ate hiba arborvitae — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete hiba arborvitae care guide