§ Toxic plants · Polygonaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is rhubarb toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarium) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
Get a permanent discount if you join Early Access. iPhone and Android, in the contiguous U.S.
§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include kidney failure, tremors, drooling and vomiting. 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 Polygonaceae plants toxic to pets
Rhubarb belongs to the Polygonaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about rhubarb and pets
Is rhubarb toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to cats.
Is rhubarb toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists rhubarb as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats rhubarb?
Signs include kidney failure, tremors, drooling and vomiting. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 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.