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Pet safety

Is Painted Dumbcane toxic to dogs?

Dieffenbachia picta

Toxic to dogs

Yes — painted dumbcane 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate painted dumbcane

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

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

Is painted dumbcane toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is painted dumbcane toxic to dogs?

Yes — painted dumbcane 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 as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly away from pets and children.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats painted dumbcane?

The ASPCA lists Dieffenbachia as toxic to cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes that cause severe oral burning, drooling, tongue swelling, and difficulty swallowing. In humans, chewing the stem was historically used as a torture method — hence 'dumbcane.' Keep strictly 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 painted dumbcane.

What should I do if my dog ate painted dumbcane?

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 painted dumbcane toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to painted dumbcane?

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 painted dumbcane pet-safety