If you’re looking for the answer to, “Will maple tree seeds hurt my dog?” You’re in luck. Dog Ownership Guide did the research so you don’t have to.
Will Maple Tree Seeds Hurt My Dog?
No, maple tree seeds won’t hurt your dog UNLESS they cause a gastrointestinal upset, irritation, or obstruction. The symptoms of those issues include vomiting, appetite loss, and lethargy.
Why Maple Trees Won’t Hurt Your Dog
The red maple is a beautiful tree (also called Acer Rubrum) that is used to make maple syrup. There isn’t anything in the makeup of the maple leaves and the seeds are toxic to dogs.
Dogs often love to play with the seeds (helicopter seeds as many pet owners remember calling them as a child) because they blow in the wind. They are fun to chase and attack like prey.
While dog owners shouldn’t encourage their dogs to eat red maple leaves or maple seeds, they won’t hurt dogs when ingested infrequently.
The Animal Maple Leaves and Maple Seeds Do Hurt
Red maple trees are only dangerous to horses. When the red maple leaves and/or seed pods are consumed, horses’ red blood cells increase significantly. This causes the blog to become too think and impairs the ability of the heart to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Horses can also suffer from kidney damage.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Maple Seedlings
If your dog eats maple seedlings, keep an eye on your furry friend. If there is no change in his/her demeanor, there’s no reason to worry.
If your dog starts to show symptoms of gastrointestinal upset, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA animal poison control center at 888-426-4435.
Toxic Plants: Risks Abound Outside
Dogs should not eat maple seedlings. While they won’t hurt your dog, they aren’t good for them.
The habit can cause dogs to want to eat other leaves and seeds, which may be toxic. For instance, the black walnut tree is highly toxic to dogs. It can leave to:
- Vomiting
- Muscle Weakness
- Tremors
- High Temperature
- Seizures
Other toxic tress, plants, and seeds include:
- Tulips
- Lily of the Valley
- Oleander
- Azaleas
- Crabapples
- Aloe Vera
- Tomato Plants
- …and many others.
Since it can be difficult to remember all of the poisonous plants, it’s best to discourage eating anything while outside or on walks.
How to Discourage Your Dog from Eating Helicopter Seeds
Each poisonous plant and seed while on a walk can be devastating. Discourage your dog from eating anything while on the walk, except if it’s a treat you bring with you.
While on the walk, if your dog starts to chase leaves or seeds from red maple trees, simply give the command no and stop in your tracks. Doing these a few times on a walk can help your dog learn they are off-limits.
Since dogs don’t know the difference between the Acer Rubrum tree and others, this training will help prevent your dog from consuming poisonous or toxic plants.
Happy Dogs ~ Happy Owners
Now you know the answer to the question: will maple tree seeds hurt my dog?
If you’re looking for more information on keeping your dog safe, read the following articles on Dog Ownership Guide.
