Pine cones are bad for a dog’s stomach and can lead to intestinal blockages. Do not allow your dog to chew on pine cones, even if it makes him/her happy. In this case, Happy Dogs ~ Happy Owners does not apply.
Why Pine Cones Are Bad for Dogs
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – ASPCA classifies pine trees or conifer trees in general as toxic to dogs. This includes:
- Pine Needles
- Pine Tree Seeds
- Pine Sap
- Pine Oil
Pine cones are NOT toxic to dogs, it’s the way they are shaped and what could be on them that is toxic to them. Dogs should also not play with pine cones, as the pine sap and pine oil can make its way into the body from licking or transdermally.
What Pine Cones Can Do to Dogs
Be aware of the possible consequences if your dog eats a pine cone. It may be cute and it may make your dog happy, but it’s just not worth it.
Stab
Pine cones have sharp points on them that can stab a dog’s mouth, a dog’s throat or a dog’s stomach.
Allergic Reactions
Dog’s prone to allergies may develop an allergic reaction to the pine oil.
Poison
Pesticides and fertilizers may be on the pine cones, especially ones found in residential areas.
Block or Injure Internal Passageways
Pinecones are hard, which means many dogs will swallow big pieces whole causing internal blockages.
Gastrointestinal Issues
Many dogs suffer gastrointestinal issues after consuming pine cones. Vomiting and loss of appetite are the most common ailments. Disruption to a dog’s bowels leading to either constipation or diarrhea are also possible.
Intestinal Injuries
A puppy’s intestines are not developed enough to digest large pieces of pine cones. Puppies are also more suscpetible to intestinal blockages because their intestines aren’t big enough.
Are Pine Cones Poisonous?
No, pine cones are not poisonous. They do not contain a poisonous substance. There is no such thing as pine cone poisoning. A small bit of pine cone will likely not hurt a dog, but eating a whole one or even more, could cause a lot of problems.
Allergic reactions to pine may warrant an emergency vet visit. Be sure to call your veterinarian right away if you notice:
- Walking Difficulty
- Trouble Breathing
- Swelling
While pine cone poisoning may not be a thing, there are many other issues that could arise. Never hesitate to contact your vet if you suspect there may be a problem.
Better Alternatives to Pine Cones
While dogs may believe a pine cone is a good snack or great toy, safer alternatives to chewing exist. Dog owners should consider bringing along the below toys to when going for a walk with their dogs.
MIDOG Pinecone Dog Chew Toy for Aggressive Chewers – Treat Dispensing
Your dog will love this dog toy so much more than the ones outside. It’s so much better for your pup too, especially dogs who love treats. This treat-dispensing dog toy is great for aggressive chewers. Let your dog carry this toy on your walks and there probably won’t be an issue with picking up pinecones.
DRYEN Indestructible Tough Durable Natural Rubber Teeth Cleaning Toy
If a treat dispensing pinecone isn’t what your dog would like, how about a teeth cleaning one. It’s also indestructible for aggressive chewers. Your dog can carry it around, chew on it to run tartar off the teeth, and will love that it looks just like a pinecone.
MONDOTOY Dog Chew Toys for Aggressive Chewers
There’s a cute little squirrel attached to this pinecone! You’ll get a kick out of the way it look, and your dog will have fun TRYING to get the squirrel off. Don’t worry; it’s made especially for dogs who love to chew HARD. This one will last a while and again, much safer alternative to pine cones.
Want more dog toy ideas for your pup? Visit our Dog Toy department in the D.O.G. Shop.
A Reason for Dog Insurance
Dog owners who live near many pine trees know pine needles, pine cones, pine oil and sap abound. It can be nearly impossible to keep their pup safe from all of the situations that could happen with their dangers.
Dog insurance is a good idea for those who are confronted with dog who is obsessed with pine cones. The costs of surgery to remove blockages or treat medical issues resulting from an allergic reaction are high. Dog insurance could cover those costs as well as the expenses of any other accident or illness that can occur througout your pup’s life.
You can learn more about dog insurance and even find out how much dog insurance costs by reading these articles:
Embrace Pet Insurance Coverage
27 comments
Hanna Long
January 11, 2022 at 12:31 pm
As a dog owner, this was a very informative read! I wasn’t aware of the danger in pinecones at all.Thanks for the article
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Of course Hanna! I didn’t know about it until I researched it. No more pinecones for my pups!
vidya
January 11, 2022 at 2:26 pm
definitely useful to know for those who have dogs or plan to … (i know my kids would love that!).. and given we live in an area where pine trees and hence pine cones abound, something to keep in mind
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 7:59 pm
Yes! Feel free to share the knowledge or the post. It definitely can save pups a lot of discomfort as well as their owners.
Cindy Winsel
January 11, 2022 at 2:49 pm
I had no idea about pinecones. That sure is a cute pup with the pinecone.
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 7:59 pm
I know it, right? The image is perfect!!!
Karen Sammer
January 11, 2022 at 4:42 pm
When we owned dogs, it was a constant battle to keep them out of trouble. We never knew what they might get their teeth into. Thanks for the info about pine cones.
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 8:00 pm
Of course Karen! Feel free to share with the dog owners you know.
John
January 11, 2022 at 5:44 pm
I’d definitely recommend the toy version instead. Pine cones can be dangerous for our doggie friends…
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 8:00 pm
For sure!!!
Heatherkleinwolf
January 11, 2022 at 6:56 pm
I didn’t know pine cones were bad news for dogs. It’s hard to keep pets from chewing up everything but like the toy options.
DOGuide
January 11, 2022 at 8:01 pm
It’s crazy how there are so many dangers! I’m hoping to get the word about as many possible to save our doggies and well hearts and pockets!
Fransic Verso
January 12, 2022 at 9:38 am
This is interesting! I know someone who had a dog and went into surgery to get it out. Great tips!
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:54 pm
Oh wow! I’m so sorry to hear that, but you are a testament to the dangers of it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Beth Pierce
January 12, 2022 at 6:33 pm
This is definitely useful information for dog owners. I will keep this in mind since Im adopting a dog soon
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:52 pm
YAY Beth! That’s so exciting. Please come back and let us know how it’s going. We also have a FREE Dog Ownership Guiide you can download. You can gain access by going here: http://www.dogownershipguide.com/free-dog-ownership-guide
Marysa
January 12, 2022 at 9:56 pm
I can see how it would be unsafe for dogs to play with pinecones. It is good to know so that you don’t run into health issues.
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:50 pm
Yes Marysa! It’s definitely not worth the discomfort and heartache.
Emman Damian
January 13, 2022 at 2:49 am
Thank God I read this post. I will be cautious in having my Chihuahua play with pine cones. Thanks! I appreciate it.
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:48 pm
You’re welcome Emman. Happy Dogs – Happy Owners!
Autumn Murray
January 13, 2022 at 9:31 am
I had no idea that pine cones were toxic for dogs. Thankfully, my dachshund doesn’t play with them.
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Well, if you ever do have a dog that does, you will now know it’s a no-no. Thanks for being part of our community!
Terri
January 13, 2022 at 4:24 pm
This is good information to know. For some weird reason, my dog, Henry, wants to eat every pine needle he sees. He tries to be a forest Roomba when he goes for a walk. I’m not sure what this is about? But I’ve always kept him focused on the task of walking and the new sniffs. I’m glad to know that I’m doing the right thing and not punishing him. Maybe it’s a game to him to see if I’ll catch him. Great article! I’ll share it with my dog friends.
DOGuide
January 13, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Hi Terri! Thank you so much for your comment. Henry sounds like a lot of fun and a handful when walking. Him and our pitbull would have a blast! I had to laugh at “forest Roomba”. 😂 I see our site is tailwagwisdom.com. I’m checking it out now. ALways happy to meet other dog lovers online. Thanks again for commenting!!!
Dani Torr
January 14, 2022 at 3:06 am
I have a golden retriever who literally picks up everything during our walks so I have to be extremely careful and alert about what she has in her mouth at all times. I could turn away for a second and find her chewing on some random object. I usually let her chew on the leaves and soft sticks she picks up but after reading this will be more careful, especially about pinecones.
Gladys Nava
January 14, 2022 at 6:17 am
What a great blog to read. It’s so helpful! Thanks for making this wonderful topic.
Thena
January 17, 2022 at 11:30 am
I had no idea. It’s super important to get educated on these types of things when you’re a pet owner!