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Pet safety

Is Shimpaku Juniper toxic to dogs?

Juniperus chinensis 'Shimpaku'

Toxic to dogs

Yes — shimpaku 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. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact a vet if ingested.

What to do if your dog ate shimpaku juniper

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

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

Is shimpaku juniper toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is shimpaku juniper toxic to dogs?

Yes — shimpaku juniper is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact a vet if ingested.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats shimpaku juniper?

Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis) appears on the ASPCA toxic plant list; junipers contain volatile oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal upset, and the needle-like foliage poses a choking and irritation risk. Keep away from cats and dogs and contact 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 shimpaku juniper.

What should I do if my dog ate shimpaku 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 shimpaku juniper toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to shimpaku 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 shimpaku juniper pet-safety