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Is Oersted's Dieffenbachia toxic to dogs?

Dieffenbachia oerstedii

Toxic to dogs

Yes — oersted's 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. The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia species (dumb cane) as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes causing immediate, intense burning and swelling of the mouth and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately if a pet ingests any part.

What to do if your dog ate oersted's dieffenbachia

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

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

Is oersted's dieffenbachia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is oersted's dieffenbachia toxic to dogs?

Yes — oersted's dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia species (dumb cane) as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes causing immediate, intense burning and swelling of the mouth and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately if a pet ingests any part.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats oersted's dieffenbachia?

The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia species (dumb cane) as toxic to dogs and cats. All plant parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes causing immediate, intense burning and swelling of the mouth and tongue, excessive drooling, and vomiting. Veterinary advice should be sought immediately if a pet ingests any part. 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 oersted's dieffenbachia.

What should I do if my dog ate oersted's 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 oersted's dieffenbachia toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to oersted's dieffenbachia?

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 oersted's dieffenbachia pet-safety