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Is Italian Arum Toxic to Dogs?

☠️ ToxicSeverity: Moderate
✅ Cross-checked against veterinary poison-control guidance · Oct 2026 audit
⚠️ Educational info only. If your pet just chewed something and looks unwell, skip the reading and call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (US): (855) 764-7661.
Yes, Italian arum is toxic to dogs. Chewing leaves or the orange berries fires calcium oxalate crystals into the mouth and throat.

Also known as: Italian Lords-and-Ladies, Cuckoo Pint, Arum Lily lookalike · Arum italicum

What makes it toxic

Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides in all tissues, concentrated in berries and tubers, plus saponin irritants that amplify inflammation.

Warning signs to watch for

Sudden oral pain and swelling, heavy drooling, retching, vomiting and reluctance to swallow. Throat swelling with labored breathing is the emergency scenario.

What to do if your dog eats it

Flush the mouth with water, remove material and call your vet. Immediate clinic visit if the tongue swells or breathing sounds abnormal.

Common questions

My dog snapped up the berry stalk — how bad?

Berries are the most crystal-dense part. Expect significant mouth pain and vomiting; call the vet and watch the throat closely.

Is Italian arum invasive in yards a pet problem?

It spreads aggressively and comes back every year. If you have a chewing dog, eradicating it is the practical choice.

More plants checked for dogs

Pothos☠️ ToxicYes, pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing any part of the vine releases calcium oxalate crystals thaAloe Vera⚠️ Mildly ToxicAloe vera is mildly to moderately toxic to dogs. The skin and latex layer of the leaf contain coSpider Plant✅ Non-ToxicNo, spider plants are non-toxic to dogs. A dog that nibbles the arching leaves is not at risk ofEaster Lily⚠️ Mildly ToxicEaster lilies are only mildly toxic to dogs — they usually cause stomach upset, not the fatal kiSago Palm☠️ ToxicYes — sago palm is severely toxic to dogs, with a documented fatality rate around 50% when untreBoston Fern✅ Non-ToxicNo, Boston ferns are non-toxic to dogs. Chewing a frond will not poison your dog.

This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.