Garden
Is Rhubarb toxic to cats and dogs?
Rheum rhabarbarum · also called Garden rhubarb, pie plant
Cats
Highly toxicDogs
Highly toxicRhubarb leaves are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain soluble oxalates that can cause drooling, tremors and, in larger amounts, low calcium and kidney damage. The stalks contain less.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur.
- Kidney damage can take a day or more to appear, so blood tests may be needed.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness and tremors (low calcium)
- Changes in thirst and urination (kidney damage)
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves most toxic; stalks contain lower levels
- Substance
- Soluble calcium oxalates
The details
Rhubarb grows well in vegetable gardens and allotments, often within reach of dogs. Unlike the insoluble oxalates in houseplants, the soluble oxalates in rhubarb leaves are absorbed and bind calcium in the blood, which can cause tremors and kidney damage. Serious poisoning is uncommon, but because it can be severe we treat any significant leaf ingestion as a reason to call the vet.
Don’t add rhubarb leaves to a compost heap that dogs can reach.
Pet-safe alternatives
- Herbs such as basil and rosemary
- Strawberries
- Runner beans
Questions owners ask
Is Rhubarb toxic to cats?
Yes — highly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves most toxic; stalks contain lower levels.
Is Rhubarb toxic to dogs?
Yes — highly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves most toxic; stalks contain lower levels.
What happens if a pet eats rhubarb?
drooling and vomiting, diarrhoea, weakness and tremors (low calcium), changes in thirst and urination (kidney damage).
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Call your vet or a pet poison helpline, tell them the plant name (a photo helps) and how much was chewed. Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and remove any plant material from the fur. Kidney damage can take a day or more to appear, so blood tests may be needed.
What are pet-safe alternatives to rhubarb?
Herbs such as basil and rosemary, Strawberries, Runner beans.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
