Is Dieffenbachia Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.), also called dumb cane, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Why

Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a pet bites the leaves, these needle-like crystals are released and irritate the mouth, tongue and throat.

The pain usually stops pets from eating much, so serious poisoning is rare. Rarely, swelling in the mouth or throat can affect breathing.

How to recognize it

Dieffenbachia has large oval leaves blotched and streaked with cream, white or yellow, growing on thick, cane-like stems. It is a common, fast-growing plant in homes and offices.

Signs to watch for

• Pawing at the mouth
• Drooling and foaming
• Vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips

What to do

• Rinse your pet's mouth gently with water and offer something cool to drink or eat.
• Contact a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or last more than a few hours, or immediately if your pet has trouble breathing.
• Keep the plant out of reach of pets that chew leaves.

Why is it called dumb cane?

The name dumb cane comes from dieffenbachia's effect on people. Chewing the stem or leaves can make the mouth and tongue swell and hurt so much that speaking becomes difficult for a while. Pets experience the same thing, which is why a dog or cat that bites dieffenbachia usually reacts within seconds.

Besides calcium oxalate crystals, the plant contains protein-digesting enzymes that add to the irritation. The thick canes hold a lot of sap, so a pet chewing on a stem tends to get a stronger dose than one that nibbles a leaf edge.

Can the sap hurt my pet's eyes or skin?

Yes. The same sap that burns the mouth can irritate the eyes. A dog that shakes its head after biting a stem, or a cat that rubs its face with a sappy paw, can end up with red, watering or squinting eyes.

If sap gets in your pet's eye, flush it gently with plenty of lukewarm water and call a vet, since eye injuries can worsen quickly. Wash sap off fur and paws with mild soap and water.

• Wear gloves when you prune or take cuttings, and wash your hands afterward.
• Do not leave cut canes or leaves on the floor while you repot.
• Wipe up sap drips from shelves and floors.

When is it more than mouth pain?

Most cases settle within a few hours. The concern is swelling at the back of the throat or around the airway. Noisy breathing, gagging, refusing to swallow water or a swollen face are reasons to go to a vet straight away, not to wait and see.

A vet may give pain relief or medication to reduce swelling and will check the mouth and throat. Pets that keep vomiting may need fluids. Short-nosed breeds and very small pets deserve a lower threshold for a visit.

Pet-safe alternatives

Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

• Non-toxicCalathea (prayer plant)
• Non-toxicSpider plant

Common questions

Is dieffenbachia poisonous to pets?

Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. Dieffenbachia is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing it causes painful irritation of the mouth, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

Is it safe to keep dieffenbachia in a home with cats and dogs?

Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep the plant out of reach of pets that chew leaves.

What should I do if my pet chews dieffenbachia?

Rinse your pet's mouth gently with water and offer something cool to drink or eat. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms are severe or last more than a few hours, or immediately if your pet has trouble breathing.

Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of dieffenbachia?

Calathea and spider plant are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.

← All plants

Sources

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
• Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.

If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).