Is Rhubarb Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Rheum rhabarbarium
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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 Rhubarb 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).
Part-specific risk: The stalk is commonly eaten by humans and is much lower in oxalates than the leaves, which carry a dangerous concentration.
What makes this plant different
Rhubarb stalks are a popular pie ingredient specifically because they're safe to eat, while the leaves carry a dangerous concentration of soluble oxalates — this is one of the clearest part-specific risk splits on this entire site, since the edible and toxic parts of the same plant are so commonly both present in a home garden.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Rheum rhabarbarium
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Also known as
- Rhubarb, Pie Plant
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control