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Pet safety

Is Monterey Cypress toxic to dogs?

Cupressus macrocarpa

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monterey cypress 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. Cupressus macrocarpa is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, causing liver disease with prolonged or repeated exposure (essential oils). Dogs are less commonly affected but caution is advised. Avoid planting where cats habitually browse or rest against the foliage.

What to do if your dog ate monterey cypress

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

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

Is monterey cypress toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is monterey cypress toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists monterey cypress 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. Cupressus macrocarpa is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, causing liver disease with prolonged or repeated exposure (essential oils). Dogs are less commonly affected but caution is advised. Avoid planting where cats habitually browse or rest against the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats monterey cypress?

Cupressus macrocarpa is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats, causing liver disease with prolonged or repeated exposure (essential oils). Dogs are less commonly affected but caution is advised. Avoid planting where cats habitually browse or rest against the 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 monterey cypress.

What should I do if my dog ate monterey cypress?

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 monterey cypress toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Monterey Cypress is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full monterey cypress pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to monterey cypress?

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 monterey cypress pet-safety