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Pet safety

Is Caladium toxic to dogs?

Caladium bicolor

Toxic to dogs

Yes — caladium 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. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your dog ate caladium

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move caladium 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 caladium to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is caladium toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is caladium toxic to dogs?

Yes — caladium is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats caladium?

ASPCA lists Caladium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. 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 caladium.

What should I do if my dog ate caladium?

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 caladium toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to caladium?

Good dog-safe swaps that keep a similar look include calathea, polka dot plant, prayer plant — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to caladium.

Full caladium pet-safety