Is it toxic to dogs?
Elephant ear
Colocasia esculenta, Alocasia spp. and Xanthosoma spp. · Araceae
Also called Elephant's ear, Taro, Dasheen, Malanga
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists elephant ear as toxic to dogs. Chewing it releases needle-like crystals that make the mouth burn and swell, causing drooling and vomiting, though the severity is usually mild.
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Toxic compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Where you’ll find it
- House and garden
- When signs start
- Mouth irritation is typically immediate after chewing (Merck describes immediate pain with calcium oxalate plants).
Signs of poisoning
- Oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Poor appetite
Why it’s harmful to dogs
"Elephant ear" is a nickname shared by several big-leaved plants in the arum family: Colocasia (taro), Alocasia and Xanthosoma. They are grown as dramatic patio and pond-edge plants outdoors and as tropical houseplants indoors. Caladium is another arum, and the ASPCA lists it separately as toxic.
All of them are on the ASPCA's toxic list because of insoluble calcium oxalates. When a dog chews a leaf or stem, microscopic crystals jab the tissues of the mouth. The ASPCA says the severity of these oxalate plants is low and long-term effects are not expected. Pet Poison Helpline lists drooling, mouth pain, poor appetite, retching and vomiting, and says swelling of the upper airway is possible but very rare.
Most dogs stop chewing quickly because it hurts. The risk is a curious puppy or a dog that tears into a potted plant. Keep in mind that the "elephant-ear begonia" is a begonia, with a different toxin. See begonias.
If your dog ate elephant ear
Gently pick any leaf bits out of your dog's mouth if your dog allows it. Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, and vomiting. Pet Poison Helpline advises veterinary care for persistent stomach signs.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog keeps vomiting, won't eat or drink, or has swelling of the face or tongue. Trouble breathing is an emergency: go to the nearest clinic right away. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Keeping your dog safe
Move potted elephant ears out of reach or into rooms your dog can't enter, and plant outdoor ones behind a fence. Cut stems and leaves are as irritating as living ones, so clean up trimmings.
For a lush, tropical look without the risk, try an areca palm or a parlor palm. Teach a reliable "leave it" so your dog learns to ignore big leaves.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Can elephant ear make it hard for a dog to breathe?
Pet Poison Helpline says upper airway swelling is possible but very rare. Veterinary care is advised right away for any pet with breathing difficulty.
Are all elephant ears toxic?
The ASPCA lists Colocasia, Alocasia and the arum-family elephant ears as toxic. Elephant-ear begonia is a different plant, but it is toxic as well.
Why does elephant ear hurt a dog's mouth?
The leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth and digestive tract when chewed.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy