Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Ohio Buckeye
Aesculus glabra
The Horse Chestnut is a deciduous tree known for its distinctive palmately compound leaves and spiky seed pods. All parts of the plant, particularly the seeds and leaves, contain saponins and glycosides that are harmful if ingested.
Aesculus glabraFetid BuckeyeOhio Buckeye
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Deciduous tree
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling, and in severe cases, tremors or incoordination.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress. Please contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately if you suspect your cat has consumed any part of this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle weakness, and potential neurological signs like tremors or ataxia.
Escalation note
The seeds are particularly dangerous to dogs. Seek immediate veterinary care if ingestion is observed or suspected.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Horse chestnut contains aesculin, which is toxic to cats and dogs.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Aesculus glabra is a native tree that is considered toxic to animals if ingested.
Questions about Ohio Buckeye
How quickly do symptoms appear if a cat eats Ohio Buckeye?
Clinical signs typically develop within a few hours of ingestion, though exact onset timing is not documented with specific numbers in available sources. Watch your cat closely for several hours after any suspected exposure.
Is Ohio Buckeye toxic to cats?
Yes, Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is toxic to cats. All parts of the plant — including the seeds, leaves, and flowers — contain saponins and glycosides that can cause significant harm if ingested.
What symptoms will a cat show after eating a buckeye nut or leaf?
Symptoms include oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. With larger ingestions, cats may develop depression or agitation, dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness, or seizures — signs consistent with more serious saponin and aesculin poisoning.
What should I do if my cat ate part of an Ohio Buckeye?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. Seek help right away if you saw your cat chew leaves, flowers, or a buckeye nut, or if you notice oral burning, repeated vomiting, weakness, or any neurological sign such as unsteadiness or seizures.
Is Ohio Buckeye toxic to dogs?
Yes, Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra) is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain saponins and glycosides, with the seeds being especially dangerous. Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, muscle weakness, and neurological signs like tremors or an unsteady gait.
What symptoms will my dog show after eating a buckeye?
Vomiting and diarrhea are usually the first signs. As the saponin dose builds, dogs may develop depression or agitation, weakness, an unsteady gait, and dilated pupils. At higher doses, tremors, seizures, and coma have been reported.
What should I do if my dog ate a buckeye seed?
Remove any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth and surroundings, then call ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) or your vet immediately — even if your dog seems fine. Do not try to induce vomiting at home, as unsupervised home emesis is one of the most common first-aid mistakes in pet poisonings.
Which part of the Ohio Buckeye plant is most dangerous to dogs?
The seeds are considered particularly dangerous, but leaves and all other plant parts also contain toxic saponins and glycosides. Because the seeds are large and tempting to chew, they pose the highest practical risk — a same-day vet call is warranted any time a dog has chewed a buckeye seed.
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