Our furry friends have a knack of getting into trouble, but sometimes that cute habit can be dangerous as well. Can dogs eat helicopter seeds, for example? If you find your pup eating these seeds in autumn, you should try to put a stop to it. Here’s why.
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The Eastern portion of North America is covered in maple trees, particularly the red ones that create vivid shades in many yards and parks throughout the year. All maples produce ‘helicopters,’ but red, silver, and Norway maples produce the most.
Helicopter seeds look lovely as they spin while falling from the tree. Helicopter seeds have umpteen names, some of which are spinning jennies, whirligigs, whirlybirds, and samara. Here’s what they look like when falling:
Ain’t that amazing?
Dogs tend to indulge in plant-eating sometimes, and they can be seen devouring maple helicopters that have fallen all over the place.
It is but natural to question this behavior. As pet parents, one has to be extremely careful about what goes in the tummy of their four-legged child. So, to answer the question: helicopter seeds can cause choking in smaller animals, therefore it is best that you keep your pup away from them.
In this article, we will discuss things dogs tend to consume and if they can eat helicopter seeds.
Are Maple Seeds Edible for Dogs?
Helicopter seeds may cause choking when consumed by small pets; one must hence keep their dogs and cats away from them. Regardless, if your pet chooses to eat them, you must supervise them very closely.
Helicopter seeds contain cyanide, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even death if not diagnosed in time. It is hence advisable to remove these seeds from your dog’s food.
Why Does My Dog Eat Leaves?
The American Kennel Club writes that eating leaves isn’t seen only in domesticated dogs. Wild dogs are also seen indulging in leaves and grass in the wild, especially when they cannot find meat. Wild dogs use these leaves to fulfill the gaps in their diet.
They further add that undomesticated dogs are naturally omnivores. Hence, domesticated pets naturally add plants to their diet. While savoring leaves and plants can be a part of any dog’s primal instinct, it may also signify a nutritional deficit and other medical issues. In some cases, it can be the result of sheer boredom.
Which Plants Are Poisonous to Dogs?
Owning a dog also requires the owner to check if they own any poisonous plants. Vetinfo’s list of common indoor and outdoor plants potentially harmful to your pet includes
- Aloe vera,
- Asparagus Ferns,
- Apple and Cherry trees,
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons,
- Clematis Vines,
- Christmas Cactus,
- Eucalyptus, Garlic,
- Red Maple trees, and many others.
Are Red Maple Leaves Poisonous to Dogs?
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals mentions that the leaves of red maples (Acer Rubrum) are known to be non-toxic for dogs and cats. Although they are believed to be poisonous to horses, you should keep your pet horses away from them. All plant parts are considered poisonous, but leaves are the most deadly. Consuming red maple leaves can impair some species’ red blood cell function.
Vetinfo highlights the symptoms of red maple poisoning:
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Inflamed paw or dog founder
- Change in the color of pee
- Pain in the abdomen
If your pet has consumed any potentially poisonous plant, one must rush to the doctor.
Are Japanese Maples Poisonous to Dogs?
Joypet products write that the Japanese Maple tree (Acer Palmatum) is not poisonous to your dog. Other maple trees which are non-toxic to pets include the Sugar Maples or Silver Maple. However, these maple trees are known to be toxic to horses.
Can Dogs Eat Wooden Helicopters?
Can dogs get sick from eating helicopters? Some pets might experience gastrointestinal upset if they consume too many seeds in one sitting. It is hence best for pet parents to supervise their dogs when they are consuming helicopters.
Veterinary experts answer on Petcoach that if your dog consumes any unidentified seeds, firstly try and find the species of the trees the seeds came from.
If the pet shows symptoms such as simple vomiting, it can be managed at home by fasting for 24 hours followed by a bland diet (like chicken and rice) in small, frequent amounts.
If the vomiting does not stop and the pet develops other symptoms such as lethargy or diarrhea, one must seek veterinary advice.
When seeking veterinary advice, one can also take along the fruit of the tree whose seeds your pet ended up consuming so that the vet can identify the best possible way to treat your dog.
What Is Pica in Dogs?
In a hand-out, veterinary students of the University of California, Davis explain that some animals such as dogs and cats tend to develop unusual eating habits such as consuming non-nutritive items such as wood, rocks, plastic, rubber bands, and more.
This problem is termed as Pica and is defined as the continuous chewing and consumption of non-nutritional substances that do not benefit the animal physically.
This behavior can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. These medical issues can be from nutritional deficiencies to behavioral issues such as boredom, anxiety, or compulsive behavior. Pica can be responsible for poisoning, dental problems, and gastrointestinal obstructions.
Why Does My Dog Like Chalk?
Your dog may like chalk because of pica. They may be witnessing medical issues such as nutritional deficiencies, electrolyte imbalances, or even starvation. What happens if my dog ate chalk?
Chalk is generally non-toxic and usually harmless when ingested by dogs. However, it may cause certain stomach problems such as diarrhea or vomiting in canines. The undigested chalk will make its way through the dog’s intestines and come out into some colorful poop.
However, in some cases, it may cause choking and internal blockage, particularly in the case of small doggos. When this happens, immediately take your doggo to a veterinary expert since it may cause breathing issues in the canine.
A Few Final Words
As pet parents, one has to be careful if they own potentially toxic plants for their four-legged friends. One has to be even more careful if they have to leave the pet unattended sometimes.
This is it for helicopter seeds, but what about other seeds, leaves and plants? Read these articles to know more about other things dangerous for your dog and some helpful advice: Can Dogs Eat Grape Stems? And How to Keep Your Dog From Running Out of the Yard
Well, did we manage to answer your questions? Let us know your thoughts and more concerns related to your pets in the comments section. Also, consider sharing this information with fellow pet parents.