Ezina · A Field Manual for Plant Care · United States Vol. I · Ed. 2027 · Proof copy

§ Toxic plants · Araceae · Checked Oct 2026

Is elephant ears toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Elephant ears (Colocasia spp.) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Mild, level 1 of 4.

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Elephant ears (Colocasia spp.)
Photo: (c) Sue Ann Kendall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Ann Kendall, via iNaturalist

§ 010 · Signs

What to watch for

Signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.

§ 020 · If it happened

What to do if your pet ate it

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.

§ 030 · Same family

Other Araceae plants toxic to pets

Elephant ears belongs to the Araceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.

§ 040 · Questions

Questions about elephant ears and pets

Is elephant ears toxic to cats?

Yes. ASPCA lists elephant ears as toxic to cats.

Is elephant ears toxic to dogs?

Yes. ASPCA lists elephant ears as toxic to dogs.

What happens if my pet eats elephant ears?

Signs include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Plant Smart rates it Mild, level 1 of 4.

What should I do if my pet ate it?

Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.

Changes

5 Oct 2026: page drafted.

Sources

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.

Plant Smart: Plant Smart: plants toxic to pets.

Photo: (c) Sue Ann Kendall, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sue Ann Kendall, via iNaturalist, source.

Checked Oct 2026.