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Pet safety

Is Arrow Arum toxic to dogs?

Peltandra virginica

Toxic to dogs

Yes — arrow arum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What to do if your dog ate arrow arum

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move arrow arum out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of arrow arum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten arrow arum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is arrow arum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is arrow arum toxic to dogs?

Yes — arrow arum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats arrow arum?

All parts of Peltandra virginica contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), a hallmark of the Araceae family. Ingestion causes intense oral irritation, burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in both cats and dogs. Keep pets away from all plant parts including the berries, which contain higher concentrations. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to arrow arum.

What should I do if my dog ate arrow arum?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is arrow arum toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Arrow Arum is toxic to cats as well. See the full arrow arum pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to arrow arum?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full arrow arum pet-safety