Why it is poisonous to dogs
The leaves and stems of dieffenbachia hold tiny sharp crystals that, when the plant is chewed, lodge in the lining of the mouth. The mouth, tongue and throat begin to burn and hurt, so the dog drools heavily, shakes its head, paws at its muzzle and can vomit.
The pain soon makes a dog stop chewing, but swollen lips and a swollen tongue can make swallowing and eating hard. Sap that gets into the eyes irritates them.
If your dog chewed a dieffenbachia and drools, vomits or will not eat, contact a vet. If it struggles to swallow or to breathe, contact a vet straight away.
What to watch out for
- The mouth and tongue begin to burn, and the dog drools heavily.
- The lips, the tongue or the whole muzzle can swell.
- The dog can find it hard to swallow and refuse its food.
- Vomiting can follow.
- Sap that gets into the eyes irritates them.
Which parts are dangerous
Not every part of the plant is equally dangerous.
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Leaves and stems
Not safeThe crystals in them irritate the mouth as soon as the dog chews them.
What it can cause
Signs that can appear after eating it. Each page explains what to look out for and when to hurry to a vet.
Safe plants instead
Plants that are safer to keep.