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can dogs get sick from eating pine needles

by Freida West Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Pine needles from Christmas trees can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. Throat issues and vomiting can result from a dog eating pine needles, and the needles can get trapped in a dog’s paws. Christmas tree water can also be harmful if drunk by a dog.

Whether they are on your Christmas tree, a wreath or some garland, pine needles can be a problem if ingested. The needles can puncture or irritate the lining of your dog's stomach, and the oils can irritate the mucous membranes. The needles may not kill your pet, but they can make him really uncomfortable and ill.

Full Answer

What to do if your dog eats pine needles?

🐶 What to do if dog eats pine needles?

  • What happens if a dog eats pine nuts?
  • What happens if my dog eats pine nuts?
  • Are pine needles bad for dogs?

Can dog get sick from eating pine needles?

Pine needles do not do permanent damage to dogs if ingested in small amounts. That being said, pine needles are intestinal irritants and can make pets sick i.e.vomiting, diarrhea, etc) and when they dry out, can do damage to the intestinal tract.

Why do dogs eat pine needles?

Dogs eat pine needles often because they have nothing better to do, and as the saying goes "idle paws are a devil's workshop." In other words, it's not like when your dog is bored he can make Play-Doh sculptures or draw murals on a sidewalk with colored chalk.

Are pine needles poison to dogs?

Pine needles are not particularly toxic, and a large number of them would need to be ingested, which is unlikely, before toxicity would be a concern for your pet. If your dog has ingested Pine needles, he may vomit them up or have mild diarrhea.

How do I get my dog to stop eating pine needles?

Watch the Paws Dogs and cats can also step on these needles and get them stuck between their toes or in their foot pads. To avoid ingestion or foot puncture, regularly vacuum up fallen needles from the floor, and discourage your pet from the vicinity of the tree.Sep 12, 2017

Are pine trees poisonous to dogs?

Live Trees: Fir, spruce, and pine trees make excellent Christmas trees and are generally non-toxic to pets. The needles, however, can cause oral irritation and in excessive amounts, gastrointestinal upset.Feb 27, 2022

What happens if my dog eats my Christmas tree?

None of the chemicals in the needles or in the sap produced by pines or spruces are particularly dangerous if ingested by either dogs or humans, but they can cause an upset tummy or irritation in the mouth if your doggy decides to chew on them.

Can dogs eat Christmas tree needles?

Real Christmas Trees Can Be Dangerous, Too Because pine needles are not digestible, eating them can hurt your dog. Fallen needles can make a tempting chew toy for puppies. Even older dogs might enjoy the scent and put the needles in their mouth. Because they're sharp, needles can puncture your dog's GI tract.Nov 30, 2018

Why does my dog throw up after taking Christmas tree needles?

For any of the reasons above, but also because needles are not easily broken down, your poor pet might throw up a lot after taking any of them in. If you observe vomitingor any other sign that your dog ingested any Christmas tree needles, fake or real, seek emergency veterinary care for the pup. Note, too, that Christmas tree needles are also problematic for felines.

What is Healthy Paws Pet Insurance?

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance & Foundation is the brand name for the program operations of Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC. Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, LLC is a licensed producer in all states (TX license # 1636108); operating in California as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Services, LLC (CA license #0H16053), and in New York as Healthy Paws Pet Insurance Agency, LLC.

Is Christmas tree dangerous for dogs?

In particular, the needles of Christmas trees, while festive, can be hazardous to pets — and can indeed make your furry guys ill.

Can dogs chew on Christmas trees?

Because of this, it’s important to always make sure that your pup never chews on your Christmas tree, and never gets the opportunity to put tree needles that might have dropped to the floor in his mouth. If your pet ingests these needles, they could bring upon a couple of serious gastrointestinal problems. The tree needles are capable of triggering digestive blocks and puncturing the intestines. Fake Christmas tree needles are just as perilous, so be careful.

Can a dog's throat be blocked by Christmas tree needles?

Just as needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, they can also do the same to the throat. Due to the small pointy nature of Christmas tree needles, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction. This is definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog’s throat, you might notice him experiencing problems swallowing.

Can a dog eat a Christmas tree?

Needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, and also can do the same to the throat. Christmas tree needles are extremely pointy and are often extremely small, too. As a result, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction -- definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog's throat, you might notice him experiencing problems swallowing.

Can dogs chew on Christmas tree needles?

Dogs can be highly inquisitive and exploratory creatures, and as a result often love putting their mouths on new things. Because of this, it's important to always make sure that your pooch never chews on your Christmas tree, and never even gets the opportunity to get his mouth on any tree needles that might have dropped to the floor. If your pet consumes these needles, they could bring upon a couple of serious gastrointestinal problems. Not only are these needles capable of triggering blockage of the digestive system, they also can make tiny holes in the intestines, too. Christmas tree needles don't have to be "real" to be a problem for dogs. The fake ones can actually be just as perilous, so be careful.

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Digestive Tract Issues

Throat Issues

  • Just as needles from Christmas trees can lead to intestinal blockage, they can also do the same to the throat. Due to the small pointy nature of Christmas tree needles, your pet consuming them can sometimes cause throat obstruction. This is definitely not something you want on Christmas or any other day of the year, for that matter. If this happens to your dog’s throat, you might notic…
See more on blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com

Vomiting as A Symptom

  • For any of the reasons above, but also because needles are not easily broken down, your poor pet might throw up a lot after taking any of them in. If you observe vomitingor any other sign that your dog ingested any Christmas tree needles, fake or real, seek emergency veterinary care for the pup. Note, too, that Christmas tree needles are also problematic for felines.
See more on blog.healthypawspetinsurance.com

Christmas Tree Needles and Paws

  • Christmas tree needles aren’t only hazards for dogs’ mouths, but also for their paws. Needles can get trapped in or on your pet’s paws, a seriously uncomfortable and painful situation for him. Be sure to sweep near the tree regularly to help avoid such issues.
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Not Just The Needles

  • In addition to the needles causing harm for your pet, other parts of the Christmas tree can also cause issues. Avoid allowing your pet to lap up the water that is situated at the bottom of the tree. This water, which is sometimes full of bacteria, can lead to possible throwing up, diarrhea, oral sores and decreased appetites in dogs. Also, the wate...
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