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Is Palo Alto Sweetgum toxic to dogs?

Liquidambar styraciflua 'Palo Alto'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists palo alto sweetgum 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. Liquidambar styraciflua is listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The spiny seed pods (gumballs) and sap can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. The resinous sap (storax) may also cause contact dermatitis. Avoid planting where pets or children have unrestricted access to fallen seed pods, which pose an additional physical injury risk from their spines.

What to do if your dog ate palo alto sweetgum

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

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

Is palo alto sweetgum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is palo alto sweetgum toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists palo alto sweetgum 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. Liquidambar styraciflua is listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The spiny seed pods (gumballs) and sap can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. The resinous sap (storax) may also cause contact dermatitis. Avoid planting where pets or children have unrestricted access to fallen seed pods, which pose an additional physical injury risk from their spines.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats palo alto sweetgum?

Liquidambar styraciflua is listed by ASPCA as mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The spiny seed pods (gumballs) and sap can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. The resinous sap (storax) may also cause contact dermatitis. Avoid planting where pets or children have unrestricted access to fallen seed pods, which pose an additional physical injury risk from their spines. 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 palo alto sweetgum.

What should I do if my dog ate palo alto sweetgum?

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 palo alto sweetgum toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Palo Alto Sweetgum is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full palo alto sweetgum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to palo alto sweetgum?

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 palo alto sweetgum pet-safety