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Is Rhubarb Toxic to Dogs?
Rhubarb leaves contain extremely high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney failure in dogs. The stalks are less toxic but can still cause gastrointestinal upset. Never let your dog near rhubarb plants in the garden. If you suspect your dogs has ingested rhubarb, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
If Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Toxic
Contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — early intervention significantly improves outcomes.
| Toxic? | Severity | Time to Onset | Commonness | Urgency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes | Severe | 2-8 hours | Uncommon | Immediate |
The Toxic Principle
The dangerous compound in Rhubarb is Soluble oxalates (oxalic acid).
Rhubarb leaves contain concentrated soluble oxalates (0.5-1.0% by weight). When ingested, oxalates bind with calcium in the blood to form calcium oxalate crystals, which deposit in the kidneys causing acute renal failure. The leaves are far more dangerous than the stalks, which contain lower oxalate levels but can still cause GI irritation and electrolyte imbalances.
How Much Is Dangerous?
The risk depends on your dogs's weight and the amount ingested.
| Pet Weight | Dangerous Amount | Expected Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog (under 10 lbs / 4.5 kg) | A few bites of rhubarb leaves | Potentially Fatal |
| Medium dog (25-50 lbs / 11-23 kg) | Several leaves or a handful of leaf pieces | Severe |
| Large dog (50-90 lbs / 23-41 kg) | A cup or more of chopped leaves | Severe |
| Giant breed (90+ lbs / 41+ kg) | Large quantities of leaves | Moderate |
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms of rhubarb poisoning in dogss typically progress through these stages:
Early Signs
2-6 hours- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Progressive
6-24 hours- Tremors
- Weakness
- Bloody urine
- Excessive thirst
- Dehydration
Severe (Kidney Failure)
24-72 hours- Oliguria (reduced urination)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Death without treatment
You just learned the symptoms. Now be ready for them.
The #1 regret pet owners have after an emergency? "I wish I'd been prepared."
You care enough to research this — that puts you ahead of most pet owners. But research without preparation is just worry. This guide covers exactly what to do in the first 15 minutes after poisoning — the window that determines whether your dogs lives or dies.
Get the First Aid Guide — Protect Your Dogs →Be Ready If This Happens to Your Dogs
You just read what rhubarb does to dogss. The symptoms. The suffering. The $400–$4,000 vet bill. The question is: are you prepared if it happens again?
Get the Emergency Kit — Be Ready →What to Do Right Now
- 1 Remove your dog from the rhubarb plant immediately.
- 2 Call your veterinarian right away — even if only the stalks were eaten.
- 3 Rinse your dogs mouth if plant material is visible.
- 4 Call your vet immediately for guidance — do not attempt any treatment at home.
- 5 Get to a veterinary clinic immediately for blood work and IV fluids.
- 6 Bring a sample of the plant for identification.
Treatment and Recovery
Emergency treatment focuses on preventing kidney damage. The vet may induce vomiting if ingestion was recent, followed by activated charcoal. Aggressive IV fluid therapy is critical to flush oxalates before they crystallize in the kidneys. Blood work monitors kidney function. In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary. Prognosis is good with early intervention but poor once kidney failure is established.
Estimated Cost
$400 – $4,000
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A basic first aid kit costs a fraction of an emergency vet visit
Having basic first aid supplies and an emergency reference on hand is something most veterinary professionals recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rhubarb stalks toxic to dogs?
Rhubarb stalks contain much lower oxalate levels than the leaves and are unlikely to cause kidney failure. However, they can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. The leaves are the truly dangerous part.
What if my dog ate rhubarb leaves in the garden?
Treat this as an emergency. Rhubarb leaves are highly toxic due to concentrated oxalates. Call your vet or get to an emergency clinic immediately. Do not wait for symptoms.
Can rhubarb kill a dog?
Yes. The oxalates in rhubarb leaves can cause fatal kidney failure. Small dogs are at highest risk. Immediate veterinary treatment is essential.
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Sources & Citations
- 📎 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
- 📎 WSU Veterinary Toxicology Helpline
- 📎 AVMA — Poisoning & Toxins
- 📎 Pet Poison Helpline
Toxicity data is based on published veterinary toxicology references. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or nearest emergency vet clinic immediately. This page was last reviewed on 2026-05-22.
