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Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
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What is Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning?
The elephant ear plant is a houseplant with giant pointed leaves that look like elephant ears. This plant may be nice to look at, but it can be toxic to your dog. In fact, it can even be fatal if not treated right away. If your dog eats any part of the elephant ear plant, the first symptom you will see is also the deadliest; a swollen airway leading to inability to breathe. To help with this problem, you can rinse your dog’s mouth out with cold water on a washcloth. Clean any plant residue from your dog’s face and rinse out his eyes, but do not induce vomiting unless the veterinarian tells you to do so. The liquid inside of the leaves and stalk is also an irritant to your dog’s skin as well as the thorns. This can cause skin pain, redness, itching, and redness.
Alocasia poisoning is caused by the elephant ear plant, which contains an insoluble calcium oxalate acid. The calcium oxalate has crystals that leech into the tissues of your dog’s skin and mouth which causes injury to your dog’s mouth. The immediate signs of alocasia poisoning are pawing at the face and mouth, vomiting, foaming, and drooling. The swelling of the mouth, tongue, and upper airway can produce breathing trouble and difficulty in swallowing. This can be lethal for your dog quickly if you do not get immediate medical help. Your dog can also get a toxic reaction of the skin and eyes from the liquid or oils inside the leaves and stalk, and puncture wounds from the thorns.
Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $350 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,300
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Symptoms of Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
The symptoms of alocasia poisoning from ingestion or skin contact with the elephant ear plant can happen quite fast and include:
Topical
- Burning skin pain
- Eye irritation
- Inflammation of the skin
- Redness, pain, and burning of the eyes
- Skin irritation and redness
- Tearing eyes
Oral
- Abdominal pain
- Delirium
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Drooling
- Eye pain
- Lack of appetite
- Lip swelling
- Mouth pain
- Mouth ulcers
- Nausea
- Numb mouth
- Red eyes
- Severe burning in the mouth and throat
- Sore throat
- Swelling of the tongue and mouth can cause difficulty in breathing
- Tongue pain
- Vomiting
- Watery eyes
- Whining
Types
- Topical alocasia poisoning is caused by the exposure of your dog’s skin to the oils or liquid in the leaves, stalk, or roots of the elephant ear plant
- It can also be caused by being stuck by a thorn from the elephant ear
- Oral alocasia poisoning happens if your dog eats any part of the elephant ear plant, including the leaves, root, and stalk
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Causes of Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
There are two ways for your dog to get alocasia poisoning. Exposure of the skin (topical) and ingestion (oral) of the elephant ear plant.
Topical
- Oils or liquid inside the elephant ear plant
- Puncture wound from the thorns
Oral
- Leaves
- Root
- Stalk
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Diagnosis of Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
If you witnessed your dog eating an elephant ear plant, bring the plant with you to show the veterinarian. This will help with diagnosis, which is mostly based on your information, such as what part of the plant your dog ate, how much, and what time it happened. Be sure to let the veterinarian know of any symptoms you have already noticed as well. A thorough physical examination will be done, which includes abdominal palpation, body temperature, height, weight, reflexes, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level. Make sure the veterinarian also knows your dog’s medical history, including vaccinations, past illnesses and injuries, and abnormal behavior or appetite.
Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemical profile, blood gases, and glucose test will be done. A urinalysis is another test that is helpful in diagnosing alocasia poisoning because the elephant ear contains asparagine, which increases protein levels. Some images of your dog’s abdomen will be taken with radiographs (x-rays) and an ultrasound to help see the contents of your dog’s stomach.
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Treatment of Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
The treatment will depend on how much your dog has eaten and how long ago it happened. If diarrhea and vomiting are present, the veterinarian will administer IV fluids to flush the toxins from your dog’s system. They will also monitor your dog’s vital signs, which includes body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respirations, and oxygen level. Antiemetics will be given through your dog’s IV to control vomiting. Depending on your dog’s overall health and condition, the veterinarian may decide to keep him in the hospital overnight for observation.
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Recovery of Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning in Dogs
Once your dog is allowed to go home, prepare a safe and quiet place for him to relax for at least one more day. It is preferable to keep your dog caged overnight to prevent overexertion. Your veterinarian may put your dog on a special bland diet until his digestive system is back to normal, so be sure to follow those directions and provide plenty of fresh water at all times. To prevent this from happening in the future, be sure to keep poisonous plants and medications out of your dog’s reach.
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Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $350 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,300
Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
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Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
Great Pyrenees
9 weeks
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None
I caught my puppy chewing on the leaf of my Alocasia Polly, or African mask plant, I’ve rinsed his mouth and given him water and am monitoring for symptoms. Anything else I can do before bringing him to the vet? He only chewed on part of the leaf and probably ingested a tiny amount but I’m worried
July 28, 2020
Owner
Dr. Gina U. DVM
4 Recommendations
Hello Thank you for your question. This plant has the potential to cause drooling, pawing at the face or mouth, oral pain, decreased appetite and vomiting. Continue to monitor for these signs and take your pet to a veterinarian if you see them. Good luck.
July 28, 2020
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Yorkshire Terrier
9 Years
Unknown severity
5 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None
Is the sweat from the elephant ear poisonous to dogs?
July 22, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I would think any part of the elephant ear would cause GI upset if enough is eaten. If your dog ate a small amount of the moisture that comes when you cut a leaf, it may be fine if it was a tiny amount. If more than a little bit was eating, or your dog is showing signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a loss of appetite, then it would be best to seek and veterinary care. I hope that all goes well for your dog.
July 22, 2020
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Labrador Retriever
Puppy
Unknown severity
3 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Breathing Heavily And Loose Stool
My puppy has had diarrhea for the past week, I just caught her digging up elephant ear bulbs. Could this be related? She is 4 months old and also teething
July 14, 2020
Owner
Dr. Sara O. DVM
3 Recommendations
Hello, So sorry to hear about your dog. If she is having diarrhea, it is best to see your vet. This can be parasites or even parvo that is causing this. Chewing on the bulb can cause mild GI signs too but if she just started this may not account for the diarrhea last week. Your vet can check a fecal sample and parvo test to figure out what is going on with your dog. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
July 14, 2020
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Brody
pit bull terrier
3 Years
Moderate severity
2 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Drooling, Panting, Red Eyes,
My 3,year old pit bull got part of a elephant ear bulb from a dormant mushy bulb that was thrown into the yard by me after I cleaned old leaves out of the pot they grow in. I noticed that he started to drool, cough, and almost throw up. I thought he was choking and immediately tried to remove anything from his mouth. There was nothing in his mouth. I have washed his mouth out with a wet wash rag and I pushed water into his mouth with a large syringe. He now seems to be kinda lethargic not his normal self but is walk at the moment in front yard. What can I do to help him. And will he recover from this. He is just like one of my children I will do what ever is necessary to help him.
March 2, 2018
Brody's Owner
2 Recommendations
Elephant ear poisoning in dogs usually results in symptoms like drooling, pawing at the mouth, swelling, vomiting and other related symptoms; rinsing out the mouth thoroughly with water is important. Keep a close eye on him for the time being but if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling or anything else concerning visit your Veterinarian or call the Pet Poison Helpline. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/elephant-ears/
March 2, 2018
I caught my dog eating dried elephant ears no symptoms
May 1, 2018
Jerri B.
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Gatsby
Golden Retriever
6 Weeks
Fair severity
6 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
My 6 week old puppy chewed on an elephant ear leaf but he didn't swallow or ingest anything. His mouth doesn't look swollen and I rinsed it out and wiped around his face but I'm nervous especially since he's just a puppy. It just happened so he hasn't had diarrhea or vomiting but I just want to make sure he's okay.
Sept. 30, 2017
Gatsby's Owner
6 Recommendations
Chewing on an elephant ear leaf usually results in oral irritation, swelling of the lips as well as vomiting and excessive salivation. If you are not noticing any symptoms keep a close eye on Gatsby, if you notice any symptoms or excessive irritation it may be worth contacting your Veterinarian to be on the safe side. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poison/elephant-ears/
Sept. 30, 2017
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Bento
Golden Retriever
7 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
Vomiting; Difficult Swolling
Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses Toxic Principles: Insoluble calcium oxalates Clinical Signs: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing; I think the milk I gave to him helped to dissolve the calcium oxalates because after that he recovered a bit then relaxed and farted a lot which is unusual for him.
Zoey
Border Collie
7 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting, No Appetite, Lethargic
Last night my 7 yr. old Border Collie found a pretty juicy 3" stem that I inadvertently left on the floor after I cut it back. She didn't eat it but obviously chewed on it for a minute. She has vomited 3 times, twice a good amount. She scratched at the door to get outside to do her business tonight (which she has never done before!) so I assume she has diarrhea. Has turned down food all day and night. Hope to see an improvement tomorrow of off to the vet I guess. Will keep a close eye on her all night. :(
Alocasia (Elephant Ear) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $350 - $2,500
Average Cost
$1,300
Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
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