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Is Japanese Garden Juniper toxic to dogs?

Juniperus procumbens

Toxic to dogs

Yes — japanese garden juniper 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. Juniperus procumbens is not individually listed, but its genus relative Chinese juniper is on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset, and the sharp foliage poses an irritation and choking risk. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingested.

What to do if your dog ate japanese garden juniper

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

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

Is japanese garden juniper toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is japanese garden juniper toxic to dogs?

Yes — japanese garden juniper is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Juniperus procumbens is not individually listed, but its genus relative Chinese juniper is on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset, and the sharp foliage poses an irritation and choking risk. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats japanese garden juniper?

Juniperus procumbens is not individually listed, but its genus relative Chinese juniper is on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and GI upset, and the sharp foliage poses an irritation and choking risk. Keep away from pets and consult a vet if ingested. 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 japanese garden juniper.

What should I do if my dog ate japanese garden juniper?

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 japanese garden juniper toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Japanese Garden Juniper is toxic to cats as well. See the full japanese garden juniper pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to japanese garden juniper?

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 japanese garden juniper pet-safety