Is White Cedar Toxic for Pets?

Pet owners must ensure the safety of their pets at all times. Knowing which plants and trees are in your garden or yard will help keep you furry friends safe. Many plants, including white cedar (Melia azedarahch), are toxic to animals.

Identification

• White cedar -- Melia azedarach, not to be confused with Thuja occidentalis -- is also known as the bead tree, China ball tree, Chinaberry tree, Persian lilac, Texas umbrella tree, Japanese bead tree and the pride-of-India . The trunk of a white cedar is often twisted, with gray to reddish brown bark, states the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. White cedar leaves are scaly and produce a pleasant aroma when crushed. The fruit of the tree forms small cones that are oblong shaped and are yellowish-brown.

Effects

• Small animals will especially feel the effects from ingesting white cedar. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, white cedar is toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Pets that ingest this plant may experience diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, depression, weakness and seizures.The ripe fruit of this tree contains the highest level of toxicity, but the leaves, flowers and bark are toxic as well.

Prevention/Solution

• Eliminating toxic plants from your pet's environment is often the best way to avoid accidental ingestion. If your pet exhibits plant poisoning symptoms after ingesting white cedar, visit your veterinarian immediately for an evaluation. Take a piece of the plant with you to ensure proper identification.