Pet emergency
My dog ate Zedoary — what to do
Step by step
- Take zedoary 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 zedoary — FAQ
Is zedoary poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria) as mildly toxic to dogs. Curcuma zedoaria is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. Some veterinary sources note that concentrated curcuminoids can cause gastrointestinal upset and, at high doses, potential liver stress in cats and dogs. Until authoritative ASPCA confirmation is available, this plant is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution — keep pets away from rhizomes and consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
How serious is it if my dog ate zedoary?
Zedoary is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Curcuma zedoaria is not individually listed in the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant Database. Some veterinary sources note that concentrated curcuminoids can cause gastrointestinal upset and, at high doses, potential liver stress in cats and dogs. Until authoritative ASPCA confirmation is available, this plant is classified as mildly-toxic as a precaution — keep pets away from rhizomes and consult a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected. 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 zedoary well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is zedoary toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Zedoary and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide