Pet safety
Is Cretan Arum toxic to dogs?
Arum creticum
Yes — cretan 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 Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin.
What to do if your dog ate cretan arum
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move cretan arum 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 cretan arum to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.
General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten cretan arum, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
Is cretan arum toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is cretan arum toxic to dogs?
Yes — cretan 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 Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin.
What are the symptoms if a dog eats cretan arum?
All parts of Arum species contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides and are confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses (ASPCA lists the genus 'Arum' as toxic). The yellow berries that develop after flowering are especially concentrated. Symptoms include severe oral burning, drooling, throat swelling, and vomiting. Handle with gloves as sap can irritate skin. 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 cretan arum.
What should I do if my dog ate cretan 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 cretan arum toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Cretan Arum is toxic to cats as well. See the full cretan arum pet-safety guide for both species.
What is a dog-safe alternative to cretan 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 cretan arum pet-safety
- Is cretan arum toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is cretan arum toxic to cats?
- My dog ate cretan arum — emergency steps
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete cretan arum care guide