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Pet safety

Is Holm Oak toxic to dogs?

Quercus ilex

Toxic to dogs

Yes — holm 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. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Acorns, buds and young leaves contain tannins (gallotannins/tannic acid); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, with large amounts, kidney or liver injury. Holm oak acorns are lower in tannin than many oaks but still warrant caution around pets.

What to do if your dog ate holm oak

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

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

Is holm oak toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is holm oak toxic to dogs?

Yes — holm oak is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Acorns, buds and young leaves contain tannins (gallotannins/tannic acid); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, with large amounts, kidney or liver injury. Holm oak acorns are lower in tannin than many oaks but still warrant caution around pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats holm oak?

ASPCA lists oak (Quercus species) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Acorns, buds and young leaves contain tannins (gallotannins/tannic acid); ingestion causes vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and, with large amounts, kidney or liver injury. Holm oak acorns are lower in tannin than many oaks but still warrant caution around pets. 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 holm oak.

What should I do if my dog ate holm 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 holm oak toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to holm 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 holm oak pet-safety