Is Horse Chestnut Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Aesculus glabra
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TOXICDogs
ModerateTOXICCats
ModerateTOXICHorses
VariesQuick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Aesculin |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Depression
- Incoordination
- Tremors
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Incoordination
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What to do
Contact a vet, especially if nuts (conkers) were eaten in quantity — these are more concentrated in aesculin than leaves.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Horse Chestnut is aesculin.
What makes this plant different
The nuts (conkers) are considerably more concentrated in aesculin than the leaves, and their appeal as a chew toy for dogs — they're roughly ball-sized and satisfying to gnaw — makes them a more common exposure route than leaf ingestion.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Aesculus glabra
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Also known as
- Horse Chestnut, Buckeye, Ohio Buckeye, Fetid Buckeye
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
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Related plants
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Plant toxicity data is sourced from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database. If you believe your pet has ingested a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control