Is Skunk Cabbage Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Symplocarpus foetidus
Advertisement
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 |
| 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.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Symptoms in cats
- Oral irritation
- Drooling
- Vomiting
Advertisement
What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring; rinse mouth with water.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Skunk Cabbage is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
What makes this plant different
Skunk Cabbage's distinctive odor (the source of its name) is usually enough to deter most pets from more than an investigative sniff, but the oxalate crystals in the leaves and stem still cause the same oral irritation seen across the Araceae family if a pet does bite into it.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Symplocarpus foetidus
- Family
- Araceae
- Also known as
- Skunk Cabbage, Skunk Weed, Polecat Weed, Meadow Cabbage, Swamp Cabbage
- Typically found
- outdoor
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Adam-and-Eve
Arum maculatum
Alocasia
Alocasia spp.
Arrow-Head Vine
Syngonium podophyllum
Arum
Arum maculatum
Arum Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control