Pet emergency
My dog ate Amorphophallus maximus — what to do
Step by step
- Take amorphophallus maximus away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate amorphophallus maximus — FAQ
Is amorphophallus maximus poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Amorphophallus maximus (Amorphophallus maximus) as toxic to dogs. Amorphophallus maximus, like all members of the genus and the Araceae family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in corm, leaf and stem. The species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies directly-listed aroids (e.g. jack-in-the-pulpit, Arisaema) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral burning, intense drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested.
How serious is it if my dog ate amorphophallus maximus?
Amorphophallus maximus is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Amorphophallus maximus, like all members of the genus and the Araceae family, contains insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in corm, leaf and stem. The species is not individually listed by the ASPCA, but the ASPCA classifies directly-listed aroids (e.g. jack-in-the-pulpit, Arisaema) as toxic via insoluble calcium oxalates; treat it as toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes oral burning, intense drooling, swelling and vomiting. Keep away from pets and verify with a vet if ingested. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep amorphophallus maximus well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is amorphophallus maximus toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Amorphophallus maximus and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide