Is Arborvitae Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate

✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit

⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.

Yes, arborvitae is toxic to dogs. Chewing the evergreen foliage releases thujone-containing oils that irritate the gut and can affect the nervous system.

Also known as: Eastern White Cedar, American Arborvitae · Thuja occidentalis

What makes it toxic

Thujone-rich essential oils in the leaves, twigs and bark, which act as gastrointestinal irritants and neurotoxins at higher doses.

Warning signs to watch for

Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and sluggishness within hours. Larger ingestions can bring tremors, weakness or incoordination.

What to do if your dog eats it

Stop further chewing, rinse the mouth with water and note how much foliage was eaten. Call your vet for persistent vomiting; go to an ER for tremors or collapse.

Common questions

Is one branch of arborvitae dangerous for a dog?

A single chewed branch typically causes drooling and mild vomiting at most. Watch for 24 hours and call the vet if symptoms escalate.

Is arborvitae the same as eastern red cedar?

Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is closely related to western red cedar, and both contain thujone oils. Treat all Thuja species as mildly to moderately toxic.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals tha Aloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain co Spider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk of Easter Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal ki Sago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untre Boston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.