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Pet safety

Is Totara toxic to dogs?

Podocarpus totara

Toxic to dogs

Yes — totara 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Podocarpus is classified by the ASPCA (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic and keep away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate totara

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

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

Is totara toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is totara toxic to dogs?

Yes — totara is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Podocarpus is classified by the ASPCA (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic and keep away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats totara?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the genus Podocarpus is classified by the ASPCA (as 'Buddhist Pine', Podocarpaceae) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with an unknown toxic principle causing vomiting and diarrhoea. Treat foliage and seeds as toxic and keep away from pets. 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 totara.

What should I do if my dog ate totara?

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 totara toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to totara?

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 totara pet-safety