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Pet safety

Is Mousetail Arum toxic to dogs?

Helicodiceros muscivorus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — mousetail arum 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. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure.

What to do if your dog ate mousetail arum

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

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

Is mousetail arum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is mousetail arum toxic to dogs?

Yes — mousetail arum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats mousetail arum?

Not individually listed by the ASPCA, but Helicodiceros is an Araceae member whose tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — the same toxic principle ASPCA cites for listed aroids. Treat as toxic to cats and dogs: chewing causes oral and throat irritation, burning, drooling, swelling and vomiting. Its foul odour usually deters animals, but keep it away from pets and verify with a vet on exposure. 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 mousetail arum.

What should I do if my dog ate mousetail arum?

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 mousetail arum toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to mousetail arum?

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 mousetail arum pet-safety