Is Dieffenbachia Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Dieffenbachia spp.)

Dieffenbachia, Dieffenbachia spp.: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

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At a glance

Scientific name: Dieffenbachia spp.
Also called: Charming Dieffenbachia, Giant Dumb Cane, Tropic Snow, Dumbcane, Exotica, Spotted Dumb Cane
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Yes
Toxic principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme
Signs reported: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing

Is Dieffenbachia toxic to cats and dogs?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Insoluble calcium oxalates, proteolytic enzyme. Signs reported: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

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Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Dieffenbachia safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include oral irritation.

Is Dieffenbachia safe for dogs?

No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

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Updated 2026-09-11.