Plant
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Contact a vet the same day, sooner if breathing or swallowing looks affected.
ModerateDogsCatsRabbitsBirds
AI-generated editorial illustration of the subject; not a photograph of a specific animal, product or case.
What to do right now
- 1.Rinse the mouth gently with water if the animal will tolerate it
- 2.Remove the plant from reach
- 3.Phone your veterinary practice for advice
- 4.Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to
Symptoms
- Intense oral pain and drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Swelling of the tongue, lips or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Vomiting
Details
- Category
- Plant
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Species affected
- Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds
- Routes of exposure
- Chewing or biting leaves and stems
- Urgency
- Contact a vet the same day, sooner if breathing or swallowing looks affected.
Veterinary notes and prevention
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause immediate mechanical and chemical irritation to soft tissue. Swelling severe enough to threaten the airway needs urgent veterinary care.
Prepare the information your vet needs
- For Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane), report the exposure route: Chewing or biting leaves and stems. Tell the clinic the time, possible amount and your pet's species and approximate weight.
- Photograph the packaging, ingredient list or plant if safe. Do not handle contaminated material without protection or delay the call to identify it perfectly.
- Keep other animals away from the source. An animal may appear normal before signs develop; do not wait for symptoms or calculate a home 'safe dose'.
- Follow the clinic's transport instructions. Do not give food, medicines or home remedies unless instructed, and take packaging with you if available.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.