Animals such as dogs and cats have a habit of sniffing and biting things when they are trying to identify them. So, pet owners should be aware of the things surrounding their pets.
Are magnolia trees poisonous to dogs, cats & other animals?
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to dogs or cats which means you can have both in the same vicinity without the fear of your pet getting poisoned. However, if dogs or cats swallow any parts of the magnolia tree such as leaves or bark, it can lead to unpleasant stomach issues.
Many people are scared to let their dogs or cats out in places with trees, and unfortunately, their fear is not unfounded. Because even though magnolia trees aren’t poisonous, there are a number of trees that can be poisonous to animals.
But thankfully, magnolia trees are not one of them. This means you don’t have to restrain your pets around it and they can freely play around it or if you have a cat, they will enjoy climbing it.
Are magnolia trees poisonous to dogs?
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to dogs. That means your dog can play near a magnolia tree without a problem but dogs do have a tendency to chew and swallow things.
That is why we have listed down the different parts of the magnolia trees and whether they can poison your dogs or not.
Magnolia tree seeds:
Magnolia tree seeds are not known to be toxic or poisonous.
This makes it unlikely that your dog would get sick from eating magnolia tree seeds but something to note is that magnolia tree seeds are not part of a dog’s regular diet and it would be best to discourage them from eating magnolia tree seeds.
Magnolia tree berries:
Similar to the magnolia tree seeds, their berries are also not poisonous to dogs or any other animal. They are even safe for humans. Your dogs will not get plant poisoning if they chomp on a few magnolia tree berries.
Magnolia tree cones:
Magnolia tree cones are not poisonous to dogs but you should still disciple them not to eat magnolia tree cones.
Because if your dog ends up eating too many magnolia tree cones, this can potentially cause the intestinal tract to be blocked which in some cases can be life-threatening.
Magnolia tree seed pods:
Magnolia tree seed pods are safe for dogs. So, don’t be alarmed if your dog runs to you with one clutched between their teeth. The bright color and shape are fashioned to resemble a toy and no dog can resist fetching that!
Magnolia tree leaves:
Magnolia tree leaves are not toxic or poisonous to dogs. But the taste and smell can be quite intense, so your dog will probably not go back for more after getting the initial taste.
Magnolia tree buds:
Magnolia tree buds are safe for dogs to eat but they don’t taste the best raw, so it isn’t likely your dog will eat that eagerly. People usually pickle them before eating because it is too intense to eat raw.
Are magnolia trees poisonous to cats?
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to cats, they can play outdoors near or even climb a magnolia tree without getting harmed.
And it is also possible that while playing near the magnolia tree they might end up nibbling on a few of its leaves but thankfully magnolia tree leaves are also perfectly safe for cats and won’t cause plant poisoning.
Some plant poisoning can be very dangerous as it can cause severe seizures and also life loss in harsh cases. But since magnolia trees are non-toxic, this doesn’t happen.
What happens and what to do if my dog or cat ingests a magnolia tree?
If a dog or cat is left unsupervised close to a magnolia tree and ends up eating a few leaves or seeds of the magnolia trees, there won’t be any drastic change in their health or behavior.
However, if they end up eating large amounts of the magnolia tree parts, it is most definitely going to cause them discomfort and sickness as this is different from their regular diet.
So, if your dog or cat has eaten large amounts of a magnolia tree, you need to be extra diligent during that time and monitor them very closely for any sign of change in their behavior like having trouble breathing or signs of illness. If that happens, it is best to rush them to a vet.
Are magnolia trees poisonous to other animals and livestock?
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to dogs or cats but they may not be equally safe for other animals or livestock as every animal’s build-up and immunity is different from one another.
Horses:
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to horses which is a relief as horses love to eat leaves from trees.
But despite being safe for consumption, if a horse or horses eat too many magnolia tree leaves or even magnolia tree berries they might end up going through gastrointestinal distress or colic as this is foreign to their usual diet.
Goats and Sheep:
Magnolia trees are not exactly poisonous to goats or sheep if they eat one or two leaves but many people claim that if they eat parts of magnolia tree leaves on a regular basis, it can cause slow plant poisoning.
Cows and Cattle:
Similar to goats and sheep, magnolia isn’t fully poisonous to cows or cattle but if they eat it in large quantities every day, it can cause plant poisoning.
And the best way to avoid this is to take the fallen magnolia leaves and also the leaves on the low-hanging branches and burn them or mulch them to use as fertilizer.
Chickens:
Chickens will be safe around magnolia trees and can eat magnolia tree berries without being poisoned but it is best to sweep away the small barks or cones that fall on the ground because they are a choking risk for chickens.
Rabbits:
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to rabbits. If your magnolia tree is planted as a bush, rabbits will eagerly eat the leaves and seed pods, and berries without any problem.
Chameleons:
Magnolia trees don’t poison chameleons. Many people living in southern America plant magnolia trees for their chameleons to play in and have not reported any problems such as poisoning from it.
Are magnolia trees edible? Which magnolias are edible?
Magnolia trees are edible for humans. Magnolia flowers are delicious with a mild gingery taste and work great in salads but many people prefer to eat them in pickled form as well.
Magnolias come in various species and the most flavorsome and sought after is the Magnolia grandiflora while most people avoid the Magnolia stellata because its leaves carry a more bitter flavor.
But even though it is edible, remember to eat it as a condiment and only in small quantities.
Do animals eat magnolia trees?
Magnolia trees are known to feed a great variety of animals and birds such as squirrels, opossum, quail, and wild turkeys. They eat different parts of the magnolia trees and so do deers, who love to eat magnolia tree leaves, twigs, and especially the buds.
What animals eat magnolia seeds, flowers, or buds?
Wild birds and squirrels are known to enjoy eating magnolia tree seeds, flowers, and also buds with relish. So, be sure that your magnolia trees will attract wild birds and squirrels to your backyard.
Final Thoughts:
Magnolia trees are not poisonous to dogs and cats but since it is not part of their normal diet, it is best to restrict them from eating parts of the magnolia tree in large amounts. However, birds and small animals like quails, opossums enjoy eating various parts of the magnolia tree.