Is Dieffenbachia Toxic to Pets?
Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to cats. Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs. Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Dieffenbachia spp.
- Toxic compound
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes
- Toxic parts
- All parts, especially stems
- Also known as
- dumb cane
Symptoms
Cats (toxic)
- Intense mouth pain and drooling
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Rarely, throat swelling that makes breathing hard
Dogs (toxic)
- Intense mouth pain and drooling
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Rarely, throat swelling that makes breathing hard
Horses (toxic)
- Intense mouth pain and drooling
- Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
- Rarely, throat swelling that makes breathing hard
What to do
If your cat ate dieffenbachia
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your cat ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your dog ate dieffenbachia
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your dog ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
If your horse ate dieffenbachia
- Call your vet or a pet poison control line immediately — don't wait for symptoms.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to.
- Bring the plant, label or packaging with you so the vet knows exactly what your horse ate.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when.
Good to know
Dieffenbachia packs a stronger punch than most crystal-containing plants. Swelling of the mouth and throat can be significant, so treat any chewing seriously.
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Frequently asked questions
Is dieffenbachia toxic to cats?
Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to cats. Common signs include intense mouth pain and drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, vomiting.
Is dieffenbachia toxic to dogs?
Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to dogs. Common signs include intense mouth pain and drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, vomiting.
Is dieffenbachia toxic to horses?
Yes — dieffenbachia is toxic to horses. Common signs include intense mouth pain and drooling, swelling of the lips, tongue and throat, vomiting.
Which parts of dieffenbachia are toxic?
All parts, especially stems.
What makes dieffenbachia toxic?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and proteolytic enzymes.
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