Dieffenbachia is a plant that is poisonous to dogs and cats. The plant is in the bromeliad family of plants. The toxin in the plant is calcium oxalates. Clinical signs include severe mucosal irritation and inflammation, blistering, hypersalivation, vomiting, and possible dysphagia, airway obstruction, and respiratory compromise. If your pet ingests Dieffenbachia, call your veterinarian immediately so that your pet can receive the best treatment available.
What is Dieffenbachia?
Dieffenbachia is a genus of flowering plants that includes over 120 species and hybrids. The genus is named after Theodor Franz Dieffenbach, a German botanist who is regarded as the “father of modern plant taxonomy.” Dieffenbachia is most often found growing in tropical humid regions and along waterfalls. Dieffenbachia belongs to the family Araceae and the subfamily Araliaceae, along with the genus Scindapsus. The most common species is Dieffenbachia picta, which is native to Southeast Asia.