Pet emergency
My dog ate Affinis Taro — what to do
Step by step
- Take affinis taro 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 a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My dog ate affinis taro — FAQ
Is affinis taro poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Affinis Taro (Colocasia affinis) as toxic to dogs. As a member of the Colocasia genus within Araceae, all parts of this plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The ASPCA lists Colocasia esculenta as toxic to dogs and cats, and the same toxicity applies to C. affinis, causing oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset if chewed or swallowed.
How serious is it if my dog ate affinis taro?
Affinis Taro is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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. As a member of the Colocasia genus within Araceae, all parts of this plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The ASPCA lists Colocasia esculenta as toxic to dogs and cats, and the same toxicity applies to C. affinis, causing oral irritation, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset if chewed or swallowed. 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 a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep affinis taro well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Related
- Is affinis taro toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Affinis Taro and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant