PupkeeperToxic
Are taro, caladium and elephant ears toxic to dogs?
Toxic. Raw taro (yam, keladi) and the leaves of taro, caladium and elephant-ear plants burn a dog's mouth, causing pain, drooling and vomiting.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand
What to do now
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Take any plant pieces away and rinse your dog's mouth with water.
- Bring a piece of the plant in a bag, or a photo, to help identify it.
- Go to a vet right away if your dog's mouth or tongue swells or it can't swallow.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
- Don't give milk, oil, salt or other home remedies unless a vet tells you to.
Signs to watch for
- Pawing at the mouth
- Burning, irritated mouth, tongue and lips
- Heavy drooling
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Why
These plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that pierce the mouth and throat when chewed. In Malaysia and much of Asia, 'yam' usually means taro; if you mean the orange sweet potato sold as 'yam' in the US, see Sweet Potatoes.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Elephant Ears (Taro)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: Caladium
- Pet Poison Helpline: Toxic Plants to Pets (first aid)
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.