Pet emergency
My dog ate Autumn Arum — what to do
Step by step
- Take autumn arum 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 autumn arum — FAQ
Is autumn arum poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Autumn Arum (Arum pictum) as toxic to dogs. Arum species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of Arum pictum contain calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants; the berries are highly dangerous. Ingestion causes oral burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and mucosal swelling — veterinary care required.
How serious is it if my dog ate autumn arum?
Autumn Arum 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. Arum species are listed by the ASPCA as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of Arum pictum contain calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants; the berries are highly dangerous. Ingestion causes oral burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and mucosal swelling — veterinary care required. 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 autumn arum well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is autumn arum toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Autumn Arum and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide