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Is Eastern Skunk Cabbage toxic to dogs?

Symplocarpus foetidus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — eastern skunk cabbage 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. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away.

What to do if your dog ate eastern skunk cabbage

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

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

Is eastern skunk cabbage toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is eastern skunk cabbage toxic to dogs?

Yes — eastern skunk cabbage is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats eastern skunk cabbage?

Confirmed toxic to dogs, cats, and horses by ASPCA. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides. Ingestion causes intense oral burning, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The strong odour generally deters accidental ingestion, but keep pets away. 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 eastern skunk cabbage.

What should I do if my dog ate eastern skunk cabbage?

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 eastern skunk cabbage toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Eastern Skunk Cabbage is toxic to cats as well. See the full eastern skunk cabbage pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to eastern skunk cabbage?

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 eastern skunk cabbage pet-safety