Can dogs eat rhubarb? We often pair the tart flavor of rhubarb with sweet flavors to create delicious human treats. But can we share this delight with our dogs? Is rhubarb safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no; rhubarb is highly unsafe and dangerous for dogs to consume. For the most part, rhubarb is unsafe for dogs for all the same reasons as starfruit, grapes, and raisins.
It contains a compound that our canine friends simply can’t process through their unique dietary systems, and in the case of rhubarb, causes immediate and intense pain.
If you’ve been considering sharing rhubarb with your dog, please seek trusted veterinarian advice for the facts about this vegetable first. In the meantime, here is what you should know about why rhubarb is unsafe for dogs to consume.
Why Is Rhubarb Bad For Dogs?
Rhubarb poisoning occurs when dogs eat rhubarb. It can be a greater danger to smaller breeds than larger ones but should be avoided by all. Its negative, and at times fatal, effect is well-documented.
The vegetable is a herbaceous perennial that contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can be found all throughout the plant, with the largest concentration found in its leaves.
Most animals tend to steer clear of it, due to the intense pain caused just by chewing it.
These calcium oxalate crystals are a big problem when absorbed and can cause renal failure, outside of the intense mouth irritation they cause. Symptoms and results following ingestion include:
- Blood in Urine
- Cardiac Arrhythmia
- Coma
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty Swallowing/Breathing
- Hoarse Barking
- Kidney Failure
- Labored Breathing
- Loss of Appetite
- Pawing/Rubbing at Mouth
- Tongue Swelling
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Dogs consuming rhubarb is a serious matter. It can have a disastrous effect on your dog’s kidneys if the calcium oxalate crystals are absorbed into their bloodstream. Once absorbed, it binds with their much-needed calcium and dismantles it.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Rhubarb?
If your dog eats a piece of cooked rhubarb that was dropped on the floor while making a pie, this likely will not cause any damage. But for safety’s sake, we do recommend having a conversation with your veterinarian.
However, should your dog get into a full stalk of raw rhubarb, or worse, the leaves of the plant, quick action is necessary. Seek veterinary care promptly.
Any raw consumption of this plant should be considered a serious situation. Do not wait for your dog to become ill or to show further symptoms before you seek care.
Luckily, it’s rare for a dog parent to be unaware that their dog got into rhubarb, due to the intense reaction dogs have. If you do identify that your dog may be having a reaction to rhubarb, bring a piece of the plant with you to the veterinarian.
Additionally, if your dog has vomited, bring a sample of the vomit to confirm the presence of rhubarb.
Has your dog ever suffered from rhubarb poisoning? What did your veterinarian do to help? Let us know in the comments below.
