Bonsai trees are so regal and unique that they easily become the centerpiece of any home or garden. Unfortunately, sometimes gardeners don’t realize that some of these plants can be harmful to their pets. Before choosing a bonsai tree, it’s important to research the different types of plants and choose one that is not dangerous to your canine friend.
So, are bonsai trees poisonous to dogs?
Yes, some bonsai tree varieties are poisonous and sometimes even fatal to dogs. If you have a dog, you should avoid sago palms and azaleas because they can be lethal.
Bonsai is the ancient art of caring for miniature trees in small containers. Any tree can be grown as a bonsai however, there is a list of preferred tree varieties due to their adaptability to pruning and shaping.
As many dog parents know, dogs will eat just about anything and that can include plants. It’s important to keep your dog safe. Some bonsai trees are extremely toxic to dogs. If exposed to certain plants, your dog could experience symptoms like vomiting, drooling, seizures, and more. If you notice any of these symptoms, call your vet right away. Choosing the right bonsai tree could be the difference between life and death for your dog.
Which Popular Bonsai Trees Are Poisonous To Dogs?
Some popular bonsai trees are poisonous to dogs. Review the list below before purchasing a bonsai. If you already own one of these trees, keep these plants out of reach from your dog. Never leave your dog unsupervised with your bonsai tree.
Jade – Crassula argentea
Also known as: Baby Jade, Tree of Happiness, Lucky Plant, Money Tree, Chinese Rubber Plant, Dollar Plant, Friendship Plant, Dwarf Rubber Tree, Penny Plant
Toxicity Level: Low to Moderate
The jade plant is one of 1,500 species from the South African Crassulaceae family. These species, including the jade, are poisonous to dogs. Many beginners choose a jade bonsai plant because it is a succulent which makes it easy to grow because it holds water in its leaves like a cactus. The jade plant is known as a rubber plant and is a popular tree to keep indoors. However, dogs seem to be attracted to its thick leaves so it’s important to keep the jade bonsai out of reach. While the toxins in a jade remain unknown, the devastating results if your dog ingests any part of the plant is clear.
Jade Plant Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
There are many different symptoms of jade poisonings in dogs. Typically, the side effects can be mild, but some veterinarians believe exposure to jade poisoning may cause serious issues in the future.
Symptoms of Jade Poisoning:
- Stomach Pain
- Vomiting
- Lethargic Behavior
- Weak State
- Increased Abnormal Behavior such as Fear, Depression, or Aggression
While most cases of jade poisoning are mild to moderate, there have been rare cases in which dogs have experienced irregular heartbeats and severe depression.
Treating Jade Plant Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog ingested any part of a jade plant, take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not wait until your dog shows symptoms. When you bring your dog to the vet, bring a portion of the tree with you, if possible. This can help your vet determine the appropriate treatment plan.
There are several ways your veterinarian can treat jade plant poisoning.
Observation. If your dog is showing no symptoms, your vet may order you to observe your dog to ensure no side effects appear.
Induced Vomiting. A veterinarian may choose to induce vomiting by giving your dog ipecac or hydrogen peroxide.
IV Line. If the jade plant poisoning is moderate, your vet may choose to use an IV line to flush the kidneys and decrease the chance of dehydration.
Digestive System Cleanse. If the jade plant poisoning is moderate, your vet may choose to flush the digestive system with warm saline. This requires sedating your dog and inserting a long hose through the mouth and into the stomach.
Recovery of Jade Plant Poisoning
If your dog has been exposed to jade plant poisoning and you’ve taken the necessary actions to treat it, you can expect your dog to recover without long-term side effects.
Sago Palm – Cycas revolute
(Also known as: King Sago, Sago Cycad, Japanese Sago Palm, Cardboard Palm, Fern Palm)
Toxicity Level: High
Sago plants are one of the most dangerous bonsai trees for dogs and cats. All parts of the sago palm are poisonous, particularly the seeds. It can take as little as two seeds to poison a dog. Sago palms typically grow in warm environments and are great outdoor plants. Recently, veterinarians are seeing a rise in sago palm poisoning in dogs because of its growing popularity in the bonsai community. Sago poisoning can be fatal to dogs because it affects three main organ systems. Signs of poisoning can be evident in as little as 15 minutes or it can take up to a few days.
Sago Palm Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
There are various symptoms of sago palm poisoning in dogs. Sago palms are very dangerous to dogs and the side effects are severe and can even lead to death.
Symptoms of Sago Palm Poisoning:
- Stomach Pain
- Drooling
- Lethargic Behavior
- Vomiting (can include blood)
- Diarrhea (can include blood or a black, tar-like substance)
- Severe Dehydration
- Seizures
- Liver Failure
- Coma
- Death
Dogs and cats have severe reactions to sago palm poisoning. The survival rate is low so it’s important to avoid keeping sago palms in the home around your pets.
Treating Sago Palm Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog ingested any part of a sago palm, immediately seek medical attention. If your dog consumes any part of a sago palm, early detection is the key to survival. There are no tests to diagnose sago palm poisoning. Always observe your dog and, if possible, bring a piece of the plant with you to the vet.
There are several ways your veterinarian can treat sago palm poisoning.
Induced Vomiting. A veterinarian may choose to induce vomiting by giving your dog ipecac or hydrogen peroxide.
Pump Stomach. A veterinarian may need to pump your dog’s stomach.
Blood Transfusions. If your dog is experiencing liver failure, your vet may need to initiate hospital therapy such as a blood transfusion and IV fluids.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics may be included in your dog’s treatment to prevent pneumonia, reduce bleeding, control seizures, or control vomiting.
Recovery of Sago Palm Poisoning
If your dog has been exposed to sago palm poisoning, go to the vet immediately. Unfortunately, the survival rate for sago palm poisoning is not good. For dogs, it ranges anywhere from 32% to 50%. The recovery is long and your dog may develop chronic liver disease. Seek medical attention for your dog immediately. The sooner you go, the better the prognosis.
Japanese Juniper – Juniperus procumbens
(Also known as: Ibuki Juniper, Dwarf Juniper, Japanese Garden Juniper)
Toxicity Level: Low
Japanese juniper plants are short, evergreen shrubs that are hardy and low to the ground. The plant is native to Asia and continues to be one of the most popular tree types for bonsai. Juniper plants are not highly toxic to dogs, but they can still be harmful. Junipers are considered mildly toxic to dogs because their stems and leaves contain small amounts of mildly toxic chemicals. Unlike other plants, junipers won’t kill a dog, but the plants can make them sick.
Juniper Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
There are various symptoms of juniper poisoning in dogs. Juniper plants are not lethal and do not cause long-term health problems in dogs.
Symptoms of Juniper Poisoning:
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Skin Rash (rare)
Typically, dogs have mild reactions to juniper plants. If you are interested in keeping a juniper bonsai, be sure to keep it out of reach from your dog.
Treating Juniper Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog ingested a Japanese juniper plant, it’s best to take your dog to the vet right away. Although the symptoms are generally mild, it’s best to talk to a veterinarian to ensure your dog doesn’t need additional medical attention.
There are several ways your veterinarian can treat juniper poisoning.
Observation. If your dog is showing no symptoms, your vet may order you to observe your dog to ensure no side effects appear.
Induced Vomiting. A veterinarian may choose to induce vomiting by giving your dog ipecac or hydrogen peroxide.
Antibiotics. Antibiotics may be included in your dog’s treatment to control vomiting or diarrhea.
Recovery of Juniper Poisoning
If your dog has been exposed to juniper plant poisoning and you’ve taken the necessary actions to treat it, you can expect your dog to recover without long-term side effects.
Azaleas – Rhododendron
Also known as: Rhododendron occidentale, Rhododendron arborescens, and Rhododendron calenduleceum
Toxicity Level: High
Azaleas are a flowering shrub commonly used for bonsai. There are three different types of Azaleas native to America. These types are: Rhododendron occidentale, Rhododendron arborescens, and Rhododendron calenduleceum. Azaleas contain toxins that can interfere with nerve functions. When ingested, the plant can cause abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, or tremors.
These signs are the beginning stages of long-term health issues. If your dog ingested an azalea plant, seek medical attention immediately.
Azalea Poisoning Symptoms in Dogs
There are various symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs. Azalea plants are very dangerous because the toxic dose is approximately 0.2% of the animal’s weight and symptoms will begin to occur within hours.
Symptoms of Azalea Poisoning:
- Stomach Pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Abnormal Heart Rate
- Drooling
- Lethargic Behavior
- Low Blood Pressure
- Rapid, Shallow Breathing
- Seizures
- Temporary Blindness
The toxins in Azalea plants cause a reaction that leaves cells in a permanently excited state. It’s best not to have Azalea plants near your dogs to avoid this reaction.
Treating Azalea Poisoning in Dogs
If you think your dog ingested any part of an azalea plant, you must seek medical attention immediately. Early detection is the key to survival. Always observe your dog and, if possible, bring a piece of the plant with you to the vet.
There are several ways your veterinarian can treat azalea poisoning.
Induced Vomiting. A veterinarian may choose to induce vomiting by giving your dog ipecac or hydrogen peroxide if your dog is experiencing no symptoms and if consumption was recent.
Pump Stomach. A veterinarian may need to pump your dog’s stomach.
IV Line. Your vet may choose to use an IV line to flush the kidneys and decrease the chance of dehydration.
Respiratory Support. If your dog’s heart rate drops below 40-50 beats per minute, your dog may require respiratory support.
Recovery of Azalea Poisoning
If your dog is diagnosed with mild azalea poisoning, expect your dog to recover within 24 hours after visiting the vet. If your dog ingested a large amount of an azalea plant, your pet will need additional medical attention. Recovery can be long and will require lots of rest.
Other Toxic Bonsai Trees
Here is a list of other bonsai trees that are toxic to dogs.
- Ambrosia Mexicana – Moderate to High
- Apricot – Moderate to High
- Australian Ivy Palm – Low
- Boxwood – Moderate to High
- Buddhist Pine – Low to Moderate
- Cherry – Moderate to High
- Ficus – Low to Moderate
- Fig – Low to Moderate
- Norfolk Island Pine – Low to Moderate
- Umbrella Trees – Low to Moderate
Which Bonsai Tree Types Are Safe For Dogs?
Many bonsai gardeners agree that it is difficult to narrow down specific tree types that are safe for dogs. While highly toxic trees, like sago palms and azaleas, should be avoided, most gardeners find that having a bonsai tree and a dog under one roof is fine.
It’s important to keep the bonsai tree out of reach so the dog can’t ingest it. Don’t leave your dog with a bonsai tree unsupervised.
Final Thoughts
Consider your pets before committing to a bonsai tree. While bonsai trees are beautiful and unique, they aren’t worth the life of your fur baby. If you’ve been asking yourself are bonsai trees poisonous to dogs, you now know that there are several tree varieties to avoid. Always conduct research before bringing a new plant into your home.
If your dog ingests any part of your bonsai tree, seek medical attention. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten toxic plants.
You can also call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. They will provide advice in critical cases with follow-up calls for a single charge. The ASPCA will contact your veterinarian and send you faxes with specific treatment protocols for the plants and links to more information.
