Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb: The Facts You Need to Know

Rhubarb, that tart and tangy plant often found in grandma’s garden, might be a delightful addition to pies and jams for us humans. But when it comes to our furry friends, it’s a whole different story. Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of why rhubarb and dogs don’t mix.

The Quick Answer: A Resounding No

Can dogs eat rhubarb? The short answer is a big, fat no. Rhubarb is toxic to dogs and can cause a range of health issues. So, if you’re thinking of sharing your rhubarb crumble with Fido, think again!

Why is Rhubarb Toxic to Dogs?

Here’s where we get a bit sciency, but stick with me. The culprit behind rhubarb’s toxicity is something called soluble oxalate crystals. These little troublemakers are found in various parts of the plant, but they’re especially concentrated in the leaves and roots¹.

When your pooch munches on rhubarb, these oxalates get absorbed into their system and start causing havoc. They bind with calcium in the body, potentially leading to a condition called acute hypocalcemia². In plain English? It messes with your dog’s calcium levels, and that’s not good news.

But wait, there’s more! These oxalate crystals can also form in the kidneys³, causing damage similar to antifreeze poisoning. Yikes!

Which Parts of Rhubarb are Harmful?

Let’s break it down:

• Leaves and roots: These are the danger zones. They contain the highest concentration of those pesky oxalates we talked about earlier⁴.
• Stems: While the stems have lower levels of oxalates, they can still cause tummy troubles if your dog eats a lot of them⁵.

How Much Rhubarb is Too Much?

Here’s the kicker – there’s no safe amount of rhubarb for dogs⁶. Even a small amount can cause problems, and the severity can vary depending on your dog’s size, age, overall health, and individual sensitivity.

So, it’s best to keep rhubarb off the menu entirely for your four-legged friend.

Signs of Rhubarb Poisoning in Dogs

If your pup has gotten into the rhubarb patch, keep an eye out for these symptoms⁷⁸:

• Tummy troubles: Vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling are common early signs.
• Abdominal pain: Your dog might seem restless, whine, or be reluctant to move.
• Dehydration: Watch for increased thirst, dry gums, or loss of skin elasticity.
• Kidney issues: This is where things get serious. Rhubarb can cause kidney damage.
• Neurological symptoms: In severe cases, you might see tremors, seizures, or muscle weakness.
• Heart problems: Irregular heartbeat and cardiac distress can occur.

Other symptoms can include bloody urine, dilated pupils, difficulty swallowing, hoarse barking, breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, numbness, airway obstruction, and swelling of the lips or tongue⁹.

• Rhubarb Leaf: What It Is and Its Uses
• Can You Eat Rhubarb Leaves? A Fact Guide
• Is rhubarb leaf poisonous: research analysis
• Rhubarb Root: What It Is, Benefits, and Side Effects

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Rhubarb

If you catch your furry friend snacking on rhubarb, don’t panic, but do act fast:

1. Call your vet: This should be your first move. They can give you specific advice based on your dog’s situation.
2. Don’t induce vomiting: This isn’t recommended, especially if your dog has eaten a large amount.
3. Seek immediate veterinary care: Follow your vet’s guidance and get your dog to a clinic as soon as possible.
4. Rinse the mouth: Flush your dog’s mouth and affected areas thoroughly with cool water to reduce irritation.
5. Supportive care: At the vet, treatment may include IV fluids, medications to eliminate the rhubarb from the system, pain relief, and stomach-protecting drugs.

The Bottom Line

Rhubarb and dogs just don’t mix. The toxic oxalates in rhubarb, especially in the leaves and roots, make it a no-go for our canine companions. If your dog does manage to sneak a bite, quick action and immediate veterinary care are crucial to prevent serious health complications.

Remember, when it comes to your dog’s diet, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Stick to dog-friendly fruits and veggies, and save the rhubarb for your own pie!

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814623020769 ↩︎
2. YOKOZAWA T, SUZUKI N, ZHENG P D, et al. Effect of orally administered rhubarb extract in rats with chronic renal failure[J]. Chemical and pharmaceutical bulletin, 1984, 32(11): 4506-4513. https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/cpb1958/32/11/32_11_4506/_article/-char/ja/ ↩︎
3. oxalate crystals can also form in the kidneys ↩︎
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308814606007060 ↩︎
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0889157520313533 ↩︎
6. http://vetfolio.s3.amazonaws.com/62/b9/b866876d427baa14bddae4c48e83/88-leepoisonous-plants.Poisonous%20Plants.pdf ↩︎
7. Lee J A, Oxalates I C. POISONOUS PLANT DANGERS TO DOGS AND CATS TOXICOLOGY[J]. ↩︎
8. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/rhubarb ↩︎
9. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-common-signs-and-symptoms-of-poisoning-in-dogs/ ↩︎