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Pet safety

Is Dieffenbachia toxic to dogs?

Dieffenbachia seguine

Toxic to dogs

Yes — dieffenbachia 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 Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes. Sap causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling, and rarely airway obstruction. Keep well away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate dieffenbachia

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

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

Is dieffenbachia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is dieffenbachia toxic to dogs?

Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes. Sap causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling, and rarely airway obstruction. Keep well away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats dieffenbachia?

ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates and proteolytic enzymes. Sap causes severe oral pain, drooling, swelling, and rarely airway obstruction. Keep well away from pets and children. 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 dieffenbachia.

What should I do if my dog ate dieffenbachia?

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 dieffenbachia toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to dieffenbachia?

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

Full dieffenbachia pet-safety