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Pet safety

Is Elephant ear toxic to dogs?

Colocasia esculenta

Toxic to dogs

Yes — elephant ear 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 Colocasia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating.

What to do if your dog ate elephant ear

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

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

Is elephant ear toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is elephant ear toxic to dogs?

Yes — elephant ear is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Colocasia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats elephant ear?

ASPCA lists Colocasia as toxic to cats, dogs and horses due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes intense oral pain, drooling and swelling. Cooked taro corms are eaten by humans but raw plant material is severely irritating. 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 elephant ear.

What should I do if my dog ate elephant ear?

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 elephant ear toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to elephant ear?

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

Full elephant ear pet-safety