Can dogs eat helicopters? ‘Helicopters’ are the seeds off of maple trees.
Maple trees, especially the red ones that all year long provide vibrant tints in yards and parks, are abundant in the Eastern section of North America.
Although “helicopters” are produced by all maple species, red, silver, and Norway maples yield the most.
The way those helicopter seeds swirl when they drop from the tree is really attractive. There are several names you may have heard them called:
- Helicopter seeds
- Spinning jennies
- Whirligigs
- Whirlybirds
- Samara
Dogs sometimes engage in plant eating, as shown by the fact that they are often observed eating scattered maple helicopters.
Naturally, one would wonder about this conduct.
Being extremely cautious about what their four-legged child eats is essential for pet parents.
Can Dogs Eat Helicopters?
It is not safe to let your dog eat helicopters. They are a choking hazard, and also contain Cyanide.
This can be especially dangerous for smaller dogs and puppies.
Are Maple Seeds Edible for Dogs?
Small animals, such as dogs and cats, should not consume helicopter seeds due to the risk of choking. In any case, you must keep a close eye on them if your pet decides to eat them.
Cyanide is present in helicopter seeds, which can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Death
Therefore, it is advised to not let your dog eat these, or any foods containing maple seeds.
Why Does My Dog Eat Leaves?
According to the American Kennel Club, dogs that are domesticated don’t always eat leaves. When they cannot find meat, dogs can sometimes eat leaves and grass.
These leaves can help dogs get some nutrients that they may be running low on.
They continue by saying that domesticated dogs are omnivores by nature.
So naturally, domesticated animals include plants in their diet.
While it may be a dog’s primal instinct to enjoy leaves and other plants, this behavior can also indicate a nutritional deficiency or other health problems.
Sometimes, dogs may even eat leaves out of boredom.
Are Red Maple Leaves Poisonous to Dogs?
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, red maple leaves are not known to be toxic to dogs or cats.
If you have horses, however, they are considered poisonous for them.
Plants That ARE Poisonous to Dogs
A person who owns a dog must also determine whether they have any poisonous plants in their yard.
Here is a list of typical indoor and outdoor plants by Vetinfo that lists plants that are possibly poisonous to your pet dog:
- Aloe vera
- Apple and Cherry trees
- Asparagus Ferns
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
- Christmas Cactus
- Clematis Vines
- Eucalyptus, Garlic,
- Red Maple trees, and many others.
Are Japanese Maples Poisonous to Dogs?
The Japanese Maple tree, Acer palmatum, is not toxic to dogs, according to Joypet products.
The Sugar Maple and Silver Maple are additional maple trees that are safe for pets.
Can Dogs Eat Wooden Helicopters?
Can eating a helicopter make dogs sick? If pets eat too many seeds all at once, they may experience digestive problems.
In order to prevent dog consumption of helicopters, it’s best to watch over their dogs.
If your pet exhibits symptoms like simple vomiting, you can treat it at home by fasting for 24 hours and then giving it small, frequent doses of a bland diet. An example being chicken and rice.
You should consult a veterinarian for guidance if the pet’s vomiting doesn’t stop and other symptoms like lethargy or diarrhea appear.
When seeking the advice of a veterinarian, it is a good idea to bring the fruit of the tree, the seeds of which your pet may have eaten, with you.
This will allow the veterinarian to determine the most effective way to treat your dog.
Conclusion
So as you can see, although helicopters are not toxic to dogs, it’s not the best idea to let them eat them.
When it comes to the wellbeing of one’s domesticated animals, pet owners have a responsibility to exercise extreme caution when dealing with potentially poisonous plants.
If one is required to occasionally leave the pet unattended, they have an even greater responsibility to exercise extreme caution.
It is always best to keep your dog on a balance diet, formulated specifically for them.
Any human food (even safe ones) should be given in moderation, and only occasionally.