Elephant Ear (Alocasia) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
Part of our guide to Is Elephant Ear Safe for Dogs? Identification, Symptoms & Next Steps.
Enter your dog's details for a straight answer sized to them.
Why Elephant Ear is dangerous
Elephant Ear (Alocasia) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause immediate, painful irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Signs to watch for
Drooling, pawing at the mouth, mouth pain, lip or tongue swelling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
What to do next
Remove loose plant pieces from the mouth only if safe to do so, then call for guidance. Do not force fluids or induce vomiting.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at elephant ear
Elephant Ear (Alocasia) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it can cause immediate, painful irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other plant question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Cyclamen. Even a small chew can be painful. Swallowing difficulty, marked swelling, or repeated vomiting makes this urgent.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Kalanchoe. Do not induce vomiting or give food, charcoal, or another product unless a veterinarian or poison specialist directs you. Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center with the exact product or plant, amount, time, and your dog's weight.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. Remove loose plant pieces from the mouth only if safe to do so, then call for guidance. Do not force fluids or induce vomiting.
FAQ
Even a small chew can be painful. Swallowing difficulty, marked swelling, or repeated vomiting makes this urgent.
Do not induce vomiting or give food, charcoal, or another product unless a veterinarian or poison specialist directs you.
Call your veterinarian or an animal poison control center with the exact product or plant, amount, time, and your dog's weight.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control — Alocasia
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: toxic and non-toxic plants
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals