Can Dogs Chew on Pine Cones

Pine cones look like a fun toy for a dog. They crackle inside their mouth. They are weird-shaped sticks to dogs. But can dogs chew on pine cones? You will find the answer below.

Dogs and Pine Cones: Why They Are Unsafe

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – ASPCA classifies pine trees or conifer trees in general as toxic to dogs. This includes:

• Pine Needles
• Pine Tree Seeds
• Pine Sap
• Pine Oil

What Pine Cones Can Do to Dogs

Be aware of the possible consequences if your dog eats a pine cone. It may be cute and it may make your dog happy, but it’s just not worth it.

Stab

Pine cones have sharp points on them that can stab a dog’s mouth, a dog’s throat, or a dog’s stomach.

Allergic Reactions

Dogs prone to allergies may develop an allergic reaction to the pine oil.

Poison

Pesticides and fertilizers may be on the pine cones, especially ones found in residential areas.

Block or Injure Internal Passageways

Pinecones are hard, which means many dogs will swallow big pieces whole causing internal blockages.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Many dogs suffer gastrointestinal issues after consuming pine cones. Vomiting and loss of appetite are the most common ailments. Disruption to a dog’s bowels leading to either constipation or diarrhea is also possible.

Intestinal Injuries

A puppy’s intestines are not developed enough to digest large pieces of pine cones. Puppies are also more susceptible to intestinal blockages because their intestines aren’t big enough.

Why Dogs Like Pine Cones

It is not uncommon for dogs to be attracted to pine cones and other natural objects, as they are often curious and enjoy exploring their surroundings. Pine cones may be particularly appealing to dogs due to their smell and texture. Many dogs have a keen sense of smell and may be drawn to the scent of the pine tree, which can be present in the pine cone. The texture of pine cones can also be interesting to dogs, as they may enjoy chewing on them or playing with them.

It is important to keep in mind that, while pine cones may not be toxic to dogs, they can still be harmful if ingested. As mentioned earlier, a large pine cone could potentially cause an intestinal blockage, which can be a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. If you notice your dog chewing on or playing with pine cones, it may be a good idea to intervene and provide them with a safer toy or chew. This will help to keep your dog safe and healthy while still allowing them to enjoy their natural curiosity and playfulness.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats a Pine Cone

If you suspect that your dog has ingested a pine cone or any other foreign object, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. The following steps can help you to manage the situation until you are able to get your dog to the vet:

Stay Calm

It can be difficult to see your dog in distress but try to remain calm and take slow, steady breaths to help you stay focused.

Remove the Pine Cone Pieces from the Mouth

If you can see the pine cone or other object in your dog’s mouth, gently try to remove it using a pair of tongs or a cloth. Be careful not to push the object further down the throat.

Observe Your Dog’s Behavior

Keep an eye on your dog for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, or lethargy. These can be signs of an intestinal blockage.

Contact Your Veterinarian

If you are unable to remove the object or if your dog is showing any signs of distress, call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and may ask you to bring your dog in for treatment.

Follow Your Veterinarian’s Instructions

If your veterinarian advises you to bring your dog in for treatment, do so as soon as possible. The sooner you can get your dog to the vet, the better the chances of a successful outcome.

It is important to seek medical attention for your dog if you suspect that they have ingested a foreign object, as an intestinal blockage can be a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. With prompt medical care, your dog has a good chance of making a full recovery.

How to Stop Dog from Eating Pine Cones

It’s a good idea to prevent your dog from eating pine cones. The following tips can help you do that.

• Keep an eye on your dog. When you are outside with your dog, be sure to keep an eye on their activities. This will help you to intervene if you see them trying to chew on or swallow any foreign objects.
• Provide plenty of toys and chews. One way to prevent your dog from chewing on pine cones or other objects is to make sure they have plenty of safe and appropriate toys and chews to play with. This will give them something to focus on and may help to distract them from chewing on inappropriate objects.
• Use a leash. If you are concerned about your dog eating pine cones or other objects when you are not around, you may want to consider using a leash to keep them close to you. This will help you to keep a closer eye on your dog and intervene if necessary.
• Supervise your dog in areas where there are pine cones. If you know that your dog is particularly attracted to pine cones, you may want to avoid taking them to areas where there are a lot of pine cones or be sure to closely supervise them when you are there.
• Train your dog to leave it. Teaching your dog the “leave it” command can be useful in helping them to learn to ignore potentially harmful objects. To teach this command, hold a treat in your hand and say “leave it” when your dog tries to take it. When they stop trying to take the treat, reward them with a different treat. With practice, your dog should learn to leave objects alone when you give the “leave it” command.