Pet emergency
My dog ate Xanthosoma Violaceum — what to do
Step by step
- Take xanthosoma violaceum 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 xanthosoma violaceum — FAQ
Is xanthosoma violaceum poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Xanthosoma Violaceum (Xanthosoma violaceum) as toxic to dogs. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a Xanthosoma (tannia/malanga) elephant ear, it falls under the ASPCA toxic classification for this group; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, causing oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Raw parts are unsafe to pets and people; corms are edible for humans only after thorough cooking.
How serious is it if my dog ate xanthosoma violaceum?
Xanthosoma Violaceum 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. Toxic to cats and dogs. As a Xanthosoma (tannia/malanga) elephant ear, it falls under the ASPCA toxic classification for this group; the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate raphides, causing oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Raw parts are unsafe to pets and people; corms are edible for humans only after thorough cooking. 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 xanthosoma violaceum well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is xanthosoma violaceum toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Xanthosoma Violaceum and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide