Are Japanese Maples Poisonous To Dogs?

Japanese Maple trees can be great additions to any outdoor landscaping project. They have a wide array of attractive colors to choose from, depending on the species. Japanese Maples fit well into smaller spaces and have more than 1,000 different varieties.

If you have a pup at home, you may rightly wonder, “Are Japanese Maples poisonous to dogs?”

Also known as Acer Palmatum, it is native to southeast Russia and throughout Asia, including the eastern area of Mongolia, Japan, China, and Korea.

These trees can grow anywhere from 8 feet up to 30 feet in height and width. The leaf color can vary between reds and purples- and sometimes even green- making them one of the more attractive options for your yard.

It is common for pet owners to be concerned with such a diverse species, and to question whether a Japanese Maple is safe for their dog to be around.

Dangerous Plants For Dogs Can Exist In And Outside Your Home

Being a responsible pet owner means ensuring that your yard and outdoor spaces are safe for your beloved pet. There will be times that your dog will be unsupervised- ideally there shouldn’t be any plants that have the potential to cause harm to them!

You may have gone through the inside of your home to remove any plants that could be deadly or create adverse side effects, but have you thought about your outdoor space? Examining the trees and plants outside your home is just as essential as inside the house.

Are Japanese Maples Poisonous To Dogs?

Are Japanese Maples Poisonous To Dogs?

When exploring this popular tree, you can rest easy knowing that the Japanese Maple is a safe choice for your yard.

In fact, humans have been eating the leaves and sap safely for a long time. You will not have to worry about your dog’s health with this tree as part of your landscape.

Many people enjoy flavorful drinks from the sap from Japanese Maple trees in several parts of the world.

It is a great alternative for naturally sweetening foods and other beverages by condensing it into a syrup. Fried maple leaves, also known as Momiji or Momiji tempura, are a popular snack treat in many areas and are completely safe.

The leaves can also help to preserve apples or root vegetables and keep them from rotting when stored for longer periods.

Although there are many items safe for humans to consume but not for dogs (like cough drops or kielbasa), the Japanese Maple luckily is not one of these.

The Red Maple Is Not A Japanese Maple Tree

The Red Maple Is Not A Japanese Maple Tree

Often, the Japanese Maple tree will be confused with the Red Maple. This confusion may stem from the similar color of leaves that both of these trees possess. You can rest easy, though. The Red Maple is an entirely separate genus and is not harmful to your dog either.

They are also known as Acer rubrum, and although they are non-toxic for dogs, cats, and humans, they are deadly and toxic to horses and should be kept out of areas where horses live and eat.

It is prone to toxic fungus growth on the bark, as well as on other areas of the plant.

The Japanese Maple tree is not susceptible to this fungus growth that plagues the Red Maple variety, and is completely safe for you and your dog.

The Red Maple tree variety can grow quite a bit larger than Japanese Maples, and the colors vary between red, orange, and yellow. If you aren’t sure which tree variety you have in your yard, there are some significant differences.

● Red Maples have larger leaves, where Japanese Maples have smaller pointed leaves.

● There is a significant size difference since the Red Maple will grow much faster than the Japanese Maple.

● The Red Maple will have a thick trunk and grow upright, while the Japanese will have a smaller trunk and will grow wider rather than taller.

Silver Maple Or Sugar Maple Trees Are Non-Toxic Too

Other varieties of maple trees, including the Silver Maple or Sugar Maples, can pose risks to horses but are still known to be non-toxic to pets like dogs.

When exploring the different genus of maple trees, studying the leaves and growth structure will help determine the type of tree you have.

Symptoms Of Plant Poisoning In Dogs

Symptoms Of Plant Poisoning In Dogs

Having your pet become suddenly ill due to the ingestion of a plant can be a traumatic experience. If you know some of the tell-tale signs, you can help avoid a deadly outcome for your pet.

Often puppies are more susceptible to poisoning than adult dogs due to their size and curious nature. You must monitor all areas that your puppy will be exposed to, both supervised and unsupervised, since accidents can happen quickly and without warning.

Your dog may exhibit one or more of these side effects if it has ingested any part of a poisonous plant:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Stomach pains
  • Drooling
  • Tremors
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Coma
  • Low or high blood pressure
  • Heartbeat irregularities
  • Heart failure

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, they should be seen by a professional vet immediately.

The sooner that your pet receives medical care, the better chance they have of recovery. You can avoid permanent liver or kidney damage –and even death– if you take a proactive approach.

In Summary: Be Proactive!

It is better to never have to deal with a poisoning when it comes to your dog. You will want to avoid any plants and trees that could potentially cause issues in your beloved pet.

Thankfully, the question of “Are Japanese Maples poisonous to dogs?” can safely be answered with a definite no.

Japanese Maples are completely safe, and you will not have to worry with this decorative tree in your yard.

Plant toxicity in dogs can cause damage to many of their organs, and can even result in death if not treated quickly and adequately. The costs of vet bills can be extensive if you are not careful with your dog’s environment.

By being diligent in your home and the outdoor space where your dog spends its time, you can ensure their safety.

With that said, if you are looking for landscaping ideas there is no need to question if Japanese Maple trees are poisonous to dogs- plant as many as you wish! Your precious pooch can still stay safe and healthy with these beautiful trees in your yard.

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