Pet safety
Is Red-veined Sorreltoxic to cats & dogs?
Rumex sanguineus
Quick verdict — at a glance
- Toxic to cats?
- Yes — toxic
- Toxic to dogs?
- Yes — toxic
- ASPCA classification
- Toxic to pets · botanical name Rumex sanguineus
Is red-veined sorrel safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic — the ASPCA lists red-veined sorrel as a clear no for cats and dogs. The painful part for the pet is usually quick and intense; the right move is to keep it out of any room a pet roams unsupervised. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, the most widely used reference for companion-animal plant safety in the US and the standard most UK vets cite as well. The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage.
| Pet | Toxic? | Per ASPCA |
|---|---|---|
| Cats | Yes | Toxic to pets |
| Dogs | Yes | Toxic to pets |
What happens if a pet eats red-veined sorrel?
The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to red-veined sorrel, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What to do if your pet ate red-veined sorrel
- Remove any plant material from your pet's mouth and move red-veined sorrel out of reach.
- Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
- Bring a leaf or photo of red-veined sorrel to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
This page is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide rather than the plant. If you are worried, always contact a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Pet-safe alternatives to red-veined sorrel
Want the same look without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA and have similar care needs:
- Basil — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Herb garden — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Rosemary — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
- Thyme — non-toxic to cats and dogs (care guide)
Red-veined Sorrel and pets — frequently asked questions
Is red-veined sorrel toxic to cats?
Red-veined Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus) is toxic to cats according to the ASPCA. The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage. Keep it out of reach and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 if your cat chews it.
Is red-veined sorrel toxic to dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Red-veined Sorrel (Rumex sanguineus) is toxic to dogs. Dogs often chew more enthusiastically than cats, so a toxic plant like red-veined sorrel is best removed from the floor and low shelves entirely.
What happens if my pet eats red-veined sorrel?
The ASPCA lists Dock and Sorrel (Rumex) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, which includes Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; signs include salivation, tremors, and rarely kidney failure. Keep grazing pets away from the foliage. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later. If you see drooling, pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your pet has had access to red-veined sorrel, treat it as a suspected ingestion and act on the steps below.
What should I do if my cat or dog ate red-veined sorrel?
Stay calm. Remove any remaining plant material from your pet's mouth and take the plant away so they cannot eat more. Note roughly how much was eaten and when. Do not make your pet vomit 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. Bringing a photo or a leaf of red-veined sorrel to the appointment helps the vet treat it correctly.
What are pet-safe alternatives to red-veined sorrel?
If you want a similar look without the risk, good non-toxic swaps include basil, herb garden, rosemary, thyme. All of these are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, so they suit a home where pets have access to your plants.
Full red-veined sorrel care
Pet-safety is one piece of the picture. For light, watering, soil, and troubleshooting, see the complete red-veined sorrel care guide, or browse the full pet-safe plant library to check another plant before you buy it.