Pet emergency
My dog ate Victoria Rhubarb — what to do
Step by step
- Take victoria rhubarb 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 victoria rhubarb — FAQ
Is victoria rhubarb poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Victoria Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Victoria') is regarded as toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the leaf blades; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, decreased blood calcium and kidney damage. Only the cooked leaf stalks are edible to humans, the leaves are poisonous to people and pets alike.
How serious is it if my dog ate victoria rhubarb?
Victoria Rhubarb 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. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates, concentrated in the leaf blades; ingestion can cause drooling, vomiting, weakness, decreased blood calcium and kidney damage. Only the cooked leaf stalks are edible to humans, the leaves are poisonous to people and pets alike. 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 victoria rhubarb 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 victoria rhubarb toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Victoria Rhubarb 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