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Pet safety

Is Variegated Giant Reed toxic to dogs?

Arundo donax 'Variegata'

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated giant reed 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes.

What to do if your dog ate variegated giant reed

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move variegated giant reed 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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of variegated giant reed to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten variegated giant reed, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is variegated giant reed toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is variegated giant reed toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists variegated giant reed 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. Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats variegated giant reed?

Arundo donax is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The plant's tissues contain silica crystals and potentially low levels of cyanogenic glucosides (as reported in some grass-family members); ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and cats. Treat as mildly toxic out of caution and keep pets from chewing the canes. 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 variegated giant reed.

What should I do if my dog ate variegated giant reed?

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 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is variegated giant reed toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Variegated Giant Reed is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full variegated giant reed pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to variegated giant reed?

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.

Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.

Full variegated giant reed pet-safety

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