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Pet safety

Is Monkey Puzzle Tree toxic to dogs?

Araucaria araucana

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monkey puzzle tree 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. Araucaria araucana is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its relative Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs, but this species is not classified, so treat it with caution. The stiff, sharp, spine-tipped leaves are a real mechanical hazard and chewed foliage can cause oral injury and GI irritation. The seeds are a human food. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests any part.

What to do if your dog ate monkey puzzle tree

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

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

Is monkey puzzle tree toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is monkey puzzle tree toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monkey puzzle tree 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. Araucaria araucana is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its relative Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs, but this species is not classified, so treat it with caution. The stiff, sharp, spine-tipped leaves are a real mechanical hazard and chewed foliage can cause oral injury and GI irritation. The seeds are a human food. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests any part.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats monkey puzzle tree?

Araucaria araucana is not individually listed by the ASPCA. Its relative Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla) is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs, but this species is not classified, so treat it with caution. The stiff, sharp, spine-tipped leaves are a real mechanical hazard and chewed foliage can cause oral injury and GI irritation. The seeds are a human food. Verify with a vet if a pet ingests any part. 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 monkey puzzle tree.

What should I do if my dog ate monkey puzzle tree?

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 monkey puzzle tree toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Monkey Puzzle Tree is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full monkey puzzle tree pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to monkey puzzle tree?

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 monkey puzzle tree pet-safety