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Is White Cedar 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, white cedar (arborvitae) is toxic to dogs. Thujone-containing oils in the foliage cause vomiting and diarrhea, and heavy chewing can reach the nervous system.

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

What makes it toxic

Thujone-rich essential oils and related terpenes in the leaves and twigs, which irritate the digestive tract and, at higher doses, disturb nerve function. Freshly cut hedge trimmings are the richest source dogs encounter.

Warning signs to watch for

Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy within hours of chewing foliage; substantial intake may cause trembling, incoordination or seizures.

What to do if your dog eats it

Take the material away, offer water and call your vet if vomiting is repeated or tremors appear. Rake up clippings after trimming hedges rather than leaving piles for dogs to explore.

Common questions

My dog chews the hedge border every walk — how risky is that?

Habitual chewing of arborvitae can add up to real gut irritation, and each nibble is a fresh dose of thujone oils. Redirecting the habit matters more than any single incident.

Is this the Australian white cedar?

No — this record covers Thuja occidentalis, the North American arborvitae. Melia azedarach, the Australian white cedar or chinaberry, is a different and severely toxic tree; avoid both with dogs.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston 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.