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If your dog ate colocasia 'pink china' — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet now. If you cannot reach one, a poison-control line will triage you — ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both services charge a fee.

Colocasia 'Pink China' is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Colocasia 'Pink China' — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take colocasia 'pink china' away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 colocasia 'pink china' — FAQ

Is colocasia 'pink china' poisonous to dogs?

Yes — Colocasia 'Pink China' (Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China') is regarded as toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; 'Pink China' is a cultivar of this species, so the same toxicity applies. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Wear gloves when handling or dividing, as the sap can also irritate skin.

How serious is it if my dog ate colocasia 'pink china'?

Colocasia 'Pink China' 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. The ASPCA individually lists Colocasia esculenta (Elephant Ears) as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses; 'Pink China' is a cultivar of this species, so the same toxicity applies. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause oral irritation, intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Wear gloves when handling or dividing, as the sap can also irritate skin. 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 colocasia 'pink china' 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.

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