Can Dogs Chew on Pine Cones?

The Short Answer is:

No, Pine Cones should not be eaten by dogs, and they should stay away from them. The consumption of pine cones by dogs can lead to intestinal blockages, vomiting, and depression in the dogs.

In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can dogs chew on pine cones?“.

Dogs and Pinecones

Are you worried about your pup swallowing pinecones? You might be wondering whether your dog should chew on pinecones if you’re not sure whether its a good idea. Heres some information about dogs and pinecones.

Hopefully after reading this post you will know whether your dog should avoid pine cones that produce seeds.

Can Dogs Eat Pinecones?

There is no reason for dogs to eat pinecones; they should not.

My reasons are as follows:

Before we get started lets take a look at pinecones. The more you know about them the better you can understand them.

During the cold winter months pinecones stay tightly closed to protect the seeds so when the warmer weather strikes the cone will open up so the seeds can be released for future growth. Because of this you will find pinecones on the ground.

Our dogs of course are curious about everything they find on the ground and their extraordinary sense of smell will lead them right to these brown pointy chewing cones.

Are Pinecones Toxic to Dogs?

Dogs are not poisoned or toxic by pine cones but that does not mean they should eat or chew on them. 

In their own way pinecones can be harmful to our furry friends even though they might not be toxic themselves. 

Dogs Should Avoid Eating Pinecones

Here’s why:

Pinecones should be avoided by dogs for the following reasons:

1. Pine trees and their pine needles produce pine oil which can also be found on pinecones. Some dogs’ stomachs may be adversely affected by pine oil.
2. Some dogs especially those who are more sensitive to allergies could experience an allergic reaction if they are exposed to the sap from pine trees on pinecones. 
3. The pinecones that your dog found on the ground could contain pesticides or fertilizers which could harm him. 
4. The sharp edges of pinecones are called scales and if your dog eats them they could splinter causing stomach irritation. 
5. Your dog may need surgery to have his or her intestines unblocked if he or she ate too much of a pinecone.
6. Some dogs may vomit if they swallow pinecones or they could lose their appetite if they swallow pinecones.

Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Pinecones?

When dogs come across pinecones they usually want to play with chew on or eat them.

It may be the scent of the pine sap that attracts them – that makes them think “this would make a great snack” or maybe they think it would make a great toy. In addition to what I said above dogs are curious and are fascinated by almost everything around them.

What To Do If Your Dog Eats A Pinecone?

We might have trouble getting our dogs to stop eating everything they see on the ground.

As a witness I can vouch for it. Its not uncommon to find my English bulldog chewing on a pinecone as if it were a special treat or a new toy so do not panic if you spot your dog doing the same.

I hope you can grab it from them while they are in action.

You can also contact petpoisonhelpline.com if you do not know who to contact and you could not see your pup in action and you are not sure how many pinecones they ate. Their phone number is listed on their site if you do not know who to contact. Being safe is better than being sorry.  

In case your dog is starting to feel sick I have listed a few symptoms below that you can look out for.

General possible symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite

Allergic reaction possible symptoms:

• Trouble breathing
• Swelling
• Trouble walking

As a guideline these symptoms are to be used as a general guide but they may not be present in every case. The more you know and learn about your dog the better you can care for him or her. 

How To Stop Dogs From Eating Pinecones

Is there a reason why my dog loves pinecones so much? Despite what you might think dogs are incredibly olfactory creatures. Thats why they love to explore new places. Rather than the pinecone its more like this “thing” that seems so intriguing.

Your best bet is to try to keep them from focusing on that “thing” in this case which is the pinecone. 

Try always having a toy with you the next time you enjoy a beautiful walk with your dog on a trail or in your countryside backyard full of trees.

When we are outside I like to play with rubber balls or tennis balls. Getting their attention away from the things they are not supposed to touch and towards the things they can have like the ball is what you need to do.

My experience is that most dogs respond well to it after some time. 

Another good tip is to teach your dog the command “leave it” or “drop it”. When it comes to situations like the one discussed here dogs eating pinecones these two training techniques are great for teaching your pup not to eat everything on the ground.

Can Dogs Have Pinecones:

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope it answered your question. In short dogs and pinecones do not mix and should not be fed pinecones.

Our goal as dog parents is to keep them out of harms way and I know you already know this. You wouldnot be here otherwise would you? 

In the unlikely event they swallow a pinecone you now know what to look out for and if in doubt call your veterinarian or a 24-hour emergency veterinarian clinic near you.

Pine cones should not be eaten by puppies. Even though they are not toxic eating them can cause intestinal blockages and vomiting. There are safer alternatives to chewing pine cones and pine cones should be avoided.

What are the dangers of dogs chewing on pine cones?

Chestnuts and pine cones are not toxic so they do not contain any poisonous substances. However dogs often swallow them while playing in parks or forests. Constipation and digestive problems can also be caused by pine cones and chestnuts.

Can pine cones be poisonous?

What are the dangers of pine cones? As with many foraging rules there are exceptions to the rule of most pine cones not being poisonous to humans. In general Ponderosa pine is not recommended for consumption by humans since it is poisonous to animals.

What are the dangers of pine cones for dogs?

Because pine cones are hard and cannot be digested easily they can also cause intestinal blockages. It is possible for the sharp points to perforate the intestines of your puppy. Moreover if your puppy eats something that isnot formulated specifically for him he may get very sick and have diarrhea and vomiting.

Are cones bad for dogs?

A cone does not restrict dogs from sleeping eating drinking peeing or pooping. Your dog will get used to the cone more quickly if you are stricter with the cone (officially called an Elizabethan collar or E-collar).

Is it safe for puppies to chew on leaves?

Even though leaves and grass are not technically harmful large amounts can block a puppys intestines. Observe how often your dog vomits especially when it comes to how much foliage they consume.

Can pine sap make dogs sick?

Dogs are sensitive to pine oil or sap found in pine needles. A dog may experience “gastrointestinal irritation and minor nervous system depression” if ingested pine needles in large quantities according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

What are dogs lacking when they eat wood?

What are the reasons why wood is bad for my dog? You have a two-fold problem when your dog eats wood. It is possible for small pieces of wood to lodge in the mouth or esophagus and cause damage. It is even possible for large pieces of wood to cause more serious problems including perforated intestines or stomach linings and obstructions of your dogs bowels.

Do animals eat pine cones?

The red and gray squirrels eat pine cones and leave characteristic ‘cores’ and piles of scales under conifer trees. The scales of pinecones eaten by squirrels have clean-cut edges but those made by birds are ragged where they have been pulled out by birds such as crossbills and woodpeckers.

How many pine cones are on a tree Animal Crossing?

There is no limit to how many pine cones one can get from a cedar tree but it does take a while due to the low drop rate. In addition to crafting Trees Bounty DIY furniture it is also used in other recipes.

What are pine cones good for?

Did you know pinecones play an important role in nature? As a result pine tree seeds remain safe and protected from freezing temperatures in the winter! It is possible for pinecones to close their “scales” tightly to protect their seeds from cold temperatures winds ice or even animals that might eat them.

Why does my dog eat grass and sticks?

When dogs feel neglected they may act inappropriately such as eating grass in order to get the attention of their owners. Similarly nervous people chew their fingernails for comfort when they are anxious.

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.