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Is Oxalis tetraphylla toxic to dogs?

Oxalis tetraphylla

Toxic to dogs

Yes — oxalis tetraphylla 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-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Oxalis is listed under 'Shamrock Plant'). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; large ingestions can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, and, rarely, hypocalcaemia and kidney effects. The plant's sour taste usually deters big meals.

What to do if your dog ate oxalis tetraphylla

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

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

Is oxalis tetraphylla toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is oxalis tetraphylla toxic to dogs?

Yes — oxalis tetraphylla is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Oxalis is listed under 'Shamrock Plant'). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; large ingestions can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, and, rarely, hypocalcaemia and kidney effects. The plant's sour taste usually deters big meals.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats oxalis tetraphylla?

ASPCA-listed as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses (Oxalis is listed under 'Shamrock Plant'). The toxic principle is soluble calcium oxalates; large ingestions can cause drooling, vomiting, tremors, and, rarely, hypocalcaemia and kidney effects. The plant's sour taste usually deters big meals. 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 oxalis tetraphylla.

What should I do if my dog ate oxalis tetraphylla?

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 oxalis tetraphylla toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to oxalis tetraphylla?

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 oxalis tetraphylla pet-safety