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Is Rat Tail Cactus toxic to dogs?

Disocactus flagelliformis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rat tail cactus as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Disocactus flagelliformis is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Disocactus species is listed — the non-toxic cacti ASPCA does name (e.g. mistletoe cactus Rhipsalis, old man cactus Cephalocereus, Christmas cactus Schlumbergera) are different genera, so safety cannot be assumed; verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Regardless of ingestion risk, the fine bristly spines are a physical hazard to curious pets, so keep this cactus out of reach.

What to do if your dog ate rat tail cactus

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

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

Is rat tail cactus toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is rat tail cactus toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists rat tail cactus as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Disocactus flagelliformis is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Disocactus species is listed — the non-toxic cacti ASPCA does name (e.g. mistletoe cactus Rhipsalis, old man cactus Cephalocereus, Christmas cactus Schlumbergera) are different genera, so safety cannot be assumed; verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Regardless of ingestion risk, the fine bristly spines are a physical hazard to curious pets, so keep this cactus out of reach.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats rat tail cactus?

Disocactus flagelliformis is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no Disocactus species is listed — the non-toxic cacti ASPCA does name (e.g. mistletoe cactus Rhipsalis, old man cactus Cephalocereus, Christmas cactus Schlumbergera) are different genera, so safety cannot be assumed; verify with your vet before allowing pet access. Regardless of ingestion risk, the fine bristly spines are a physical hazard to curious pets, so keep this cactus out of reach. 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 rat tail cactus.

What should I do if my dog ate rat tail cactus?

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 rat tail cactus toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Rat Tail Cactus is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full rat tail cactus pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to rat tail cactus?

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 rat tail cactus pet-safety