Is Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Colocasia esculenta
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Onset of symptoms | Within minutes of chewing |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
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
- Oral pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
Symptoms in cats
- Oral pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Pawing at mouth
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What to do
Offer water to help rinse remaining crystals from the mouth. Most cases resolve with supportive care at home; seek vet care if swelling of the mouth or throat develops.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta) is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
What makes this plant different
Colocasia's tubers are a staple food (taro) in many cuisines once cooked, since cooking breaks down the oxalate crystals — but raw plant material, including tubers dug up by a curious dog, carries the same oral-irritation risk as its ornamental Araceae relatives.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Colocasia esculenta
- Family
- Araceae
- Also known as
- Elephant Ears (Colocasia esculenta), Caladium, Malanga
- Typically found
- both
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control