Pet emergency
My dog ate Caladium — what to do
Step by step
- Take caladium 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 caladium — FAQ
Is caladium poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Caladium (Caladium bicolor) as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
How serious is it if my dog ate caladium?
Caladium 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. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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?
Move caladium well out of reach, or replace it with a pet-safe look-alike — good dog-safe swaps include calathea, polka dot plant, prayer plant, all ASPCA non-toxic. See pet-safe alternatives to caladium.
Related
- Is caladium toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Caladium and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Pet-safe alternatives to caladium