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Is White Skunk Cabbage toxic to dogs?

Lysichiton camtschatcensis

Toxic to dogs

Yes — white skunk cabbage 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. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant.

What to do if your dog ate white skunk cabbage

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

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

Is white skunk cabbage toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is white skunk cabbage toxic to dogs?

Yes — white skunk cabbage is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats white skunk cabbage?

All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate raphide crystals, the same mechanism as other Araceae. The ASPCA lists skunk cabbage (genus Symplocarpus/Lysichiton) as toxic to dogs and cats, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Handle with gloves; sap is also an eye irritant. 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 white skunk cabbage.

What should I do if my dog ate white skunk cabbage?

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 white skunk cabbage toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: White Skunk Cabbage is toxic to cats as well. See the full white skunk cabbage pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to white skunk cabbage?

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 white skunk cabbage pet-safety