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
Buckeye
Aesculus spp
Buckeye trees and shrubs contain toxic glycosides and saponins that affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. All parts of the plant, especially the seeds and leaves, are considered poisonous if ingested.
Aesculus hippocastanumAesculus sppHorse ChestnutOhio Buckeye
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Tree or large shrub
- 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, drooling, abdominal pain, and in severe cases, muscle tremors or incoordination.
Escalation note
Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress and neurological signs. Please contact your veterinarian or an animal poison control center immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, lethargy, and potential neurological impairment such as tremors or weakness.
Escalation note
The toxins in buckeye can cause rapid onset of illness. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
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
Buckeye is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of aesculin and other saponins.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Aesculus species are known to be poisonous to humans and animals if ingested.
Questions about Buckeye
Is buckeye toxic to cats?
Yes, buckeye (Aesculus spp.) is toxic to cats. All parts of the plant — especially the seeds and leaves — contain toxic glycosides and saponins that affect both the gastrointestinal and nervous systems.
What symptoms will my cat show after eating buckeye?
Early signs include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and diarrhea. With larger ingestions, cats can develop oral and throat burning, increased thirst, dilated pupils, weakness, muscle twitching, incoordination, and in severe cases, seizures or kidney failure.
What should I do if my cat ate part of a buckeye tree?
Stay calm, remove any remaining plant material from your cat's mouth and the surrounding area, then call your vet, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking help, and do not give food, water, or anything else by mouth until you've spoken with a professional.
How quickly do buckeye symptoms appear in cats, and is recovery likely?
Exact onset and recovery times are not specifically documented in ASPCA or Pet Poison Helpline references, so any buckeye exposure should be treated as time-critical; seek same-day veterinary care. Go straight to an emergency clinic if your cat is staggering, tremoring, having seizures, or producing reduced or off-color urine.
Is buckeye poisonous to dogs?
Yes, buckeye (Aesculus spp.) is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant — especially the seeds (nuts) and leaves — contain toxic glycosides and saponins that affect the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. Even a small ingestion warrants a call to your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
What symptoms will my dog show after eating buckeye?
Early signs include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, and lethargy. Larger ingestions can progress to 'walking drunk' incoordination, depression or agitation, dilated pupils, muscle twitching, and seizures. GI signs can appear within hours of ingestion.
What should I do if my dog ate a buckeye nut?
Stay calm, clear any remaining plant material from your dog's mouth, and call your vet, an emergency clinic, or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) before giving food, water, or anything else by mouth. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — rapid onset of illness is possible. If you see staggering, tremors, or seizures, go straight to an emergency clinic.
Which parts of the buckeye tree are dangerous to dogs?
All parts of the buckeye are considered poisonous, but the seeds (nuts) and leaves carry the highest concentration of toxins. The toxic agents are glycosides and saponins, which disrupt both the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. There is no safe part of this plant for dogs to chew or ingest.
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