My puppy is eating pine bark and needles. Is this dangerous?
Pine needles and bark are not toxic, but the needles contain some oil that can cause irritation to the the stomach. You may see a decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. If these occur for longer than 24 hours, Luna should see a vet for treatment.
If she eats a large amount of bark and/or pine needles, it could cause more severe damage internally and potentially cause painful constipation. If she seems in distress when trying to have a bowel movement, she should see a vet for treatment.
I would try to prevent her from eating this. You can try to fence off the shrub, take Luna out on a leash, or remove the shrub. It is possible that she will outgrow it, but this breed tends to get themselves into trouble by eating inappropriate things for several years!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025