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Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) toxic to dogs and cats?

Dieffenbachia spp. · Araceae

Yes — Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) is toxic to pets (moderate). Dogs, cats, rabbits and birds

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Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) toxic to cats?Is Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) toxic to dogs?
My pet just ate this
Why it is toxic

Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides — needle-shaped crystals — plus irritant proteolytic enzymes

How fast symptoms appear: Immediate on chewing

Symptoms of poisoning
  • Intense mouth pain
  • Pawing at the face
  • Drooling
  • Swollen tongue and lips
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Noisy breathing if the throat swells
What to do first
  1. Rinse the mouth gently with cool water; a little milk or yoghurt helps bind the crystals.
  2. Call the vet — airway swelling is the real risk and can build over an hour.
  3. Go in at once if breathing sounds noisy or laboured.
(888) 426-4435ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (855) 764-7661Pet Poison Helpline
What your vet will do
Pain relief, anti-inflammatories, fluids and airway monitoring; steroids for marked swelling. Rarely fatal, but genuinely painful.

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Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list; Volmer, Small Animal Toxicology (calcium oxalate plants); Pet Poison Helpline. PetPlantGuard is complementary to veterinary care and never replaces your vet.