Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Dogs: Moderate
Cats: Moderate
Plant Information
Elephant Ear Taro, Colocasia, Dasheen
Araceae
outdoor
Moderately Toxic
Toxicity Details
all parts (raw), leaves, stems
Insoluble calcium oxalates
Immediate
moderate
Symptoms to Watch For
- Intense oral burning
- Swelling of mouth and throat
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
What to Do
Rinse mouth with water. Monitor breathing. Contact vet if throat swelling occurs. Cooking destroys the oxalates (hence why it's edible for humans when cooked).
About Taro
Taro (Colocasia) is a tropical plant grown for both ornamental giant leaves and edible tubers. Raw parts contain dense calcium oxalate crystals. The immediate burning pain usually stops pets from eating much, but throat swelling can be dangerous.
Safe Alternatives
These plants provide a similar look but are non-toxic to pets: