Toxicity to pets

Golden Dieffenbachia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals like other plants in the Araceae family. In general, chewing or biting into the plant causes the crystals to penetrate tissue in the mouth and GI tract, triggering mild to severe irritation. Irritation tends to be more severe with Dieffenbachia than other plants in the Araceae family. Rarely, severe oral and throat irritation can develop resulting in severe swelling of the face, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing. Rarely, death has been reported with ingestion of Dieffenbachia plants. See Oxalates (Insoluble) for more information.

Common signs to watch for:

• Drooling
• Oral pain
• Pawing at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite