Is Dock Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Rumex sp.
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Soluble oxalates (a different chemical form than the insoluble crystals in Araceae plants — these are absorbed and can affect calcium levels and kidney function systemically) |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Tremors and kidney effects with large ingestion
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
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What to do
Contact a vet for significant ingestion, especially of the leaves, which carry the highest oxalate concentration in this family.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Dock is soluble oxalates (a different chemical form than the insoluble crystals in araceae plants — these are absorbed and can affect calcium levels and kidney function systemically).
What makes this plant different
Dock is a common lawn and pasture weed whose soluble oxalates work differently from the insoluble crystals in Peace Lily and other Araceae plants — these are absorbed into the bloodstream and can affect calcium levels and kidney function systemically, rather than just causing local mouth pain.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Rumex sp.
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Also known as
- Dock, Sorrel
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control