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Toxic plant safety guide

Is Dieffenbachia toxic to cats and dogs?

Dieffenbachia, also called dumb cane, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause immediate oral pain when chewed.

Quick safety answer

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) is listed as moderate toxicity for pets. Relevant pets: dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds. Keep this plant out of reach and treat any confirmed ingestion seriously.

Symptoms to watch for

  • Oral burning
  • Drooling
  • Swelling of mouth or tongue
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

Symptoms can vary by pet size, amount eaten, and the exact plant part. A lack of symptoms right away does not always mean the exposure is safe.

What to do if your pet ate it

Remove the plant, save a photo or plant label, estimate how much was eaten and when, then call your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinary professional tells you to.

Emergency contacts: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

Safer alternatives

  • Calathea
  • Prayer plant
  • Peperomia
  • Cast iron plant

Sources

This page uses conservative wording based on veterinary and poison-control plant safety references.

  • ASPCA Animal Poison Control toxic plant database
  • Pet Poison Helpline calcium oxalate plant guidance
  • Veterinary references on insoluble oxalate plants