Mass cane safe for dogs

The cornstalk plant, also known as the corn plant, is a common hedge plant found throughout tropical Africa. It is adapted to live in a climate without frost, so it does not grow wild in the United States and other temperate zones, but it is frequently found as an indoor houseplant. The cornstalk plant, Dracaena fragrans, is part of the Dracaena genus and bears no relationship to the maize plant grown for food. Several other Dracaena species, known by the names lucky bamboo and dragon tree, are also grown as houseplants. All these plants are now classified as part of the Asparagaceae family, although previously they have been identified as either their own specific family (Dracaena) or part of the Agavaceae family. The cornstalk or corn plant has a sweet smelling flower, a thick woody stalk, and bright green leaves accented with corn-yellow (hence the name).

It is considered toxic to dogs, although symptoms are generally not severe and there are no records of deaths. Gastrointestinal upset, with excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, are the most common sign your dog has eaten this plant. More extreme symptoms like weakness, lack of coordination and dilated pupils are possible, but this is more likely in cats than in dogs. It’s not known specifically what causes toxicity in the cornstalk plant, but some experts have suggested there may be some alkaloidal content as well as saponins, a type of glycoside with a foaming element that is found in many different plants. Regardless of any other symptoms of toxicity, dogs will be unable to digest the plant, so it is likely to make them vomit. More severe reactions could occur if a large amount is eaten, especially in a small dog.

The cornstalk plant is an indoor house plant that is moderately toxic for pets. In dogs, it causes symptoms of gastrointestinal upset with vomiting and diarrhea.

Additional Common Names: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Tree, Ribbon Plant

Scientific Name: Dracaena fragrans

Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses

Toxic Principles: Saponins

Clinical Signs: Vomiting (occasionally with blood), depression, anorexia, hypersalivation, dilated pupils (cats).

If you suspect your pet may have ingested a potentially toxic substance, call the APCC at (888) 426-4435 or contact your local veterinarian as soon as possible.*

* A consultation fee may apply.

Browse Toxic Plant Gallery List »

Over 700 indoor/outdoor plants contain toxic substances that may harm dogs and cats.If these plants are ingested, signs of poisoning can be mild to severe, sometimes even causing death. Most houseplants have multiple names, so it is important to confirm that the houseplants you currently own or may purchase are not toxic to your pet.

Asparagus Fern

Asparagus fern (also called emerald feather, emerald fern, sprengeri fern, plumosa fern, and lace fern) is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxic agent in this plant is sapogenin—a steroid found in a variety of plants. If a dog or cat ingests the berries of this plant, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain can occur. Allergic dermatitis (skin inflammation) can occur if an animal is repeatedly exposed to this plant.

Corn Plant

Corn plant (also known as cornstalk plant, dracaena, dragon tree, and ribbon plant) is toxic to dogs and cats. Saponin is the toxic chemical compound in this plant. If this plant is ingested, vomiting (with or without blood), appetite loss, depression, and/or increased salivation can occur. Affected cats may also have dilated pupils.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow, and exotica) is toxic to dogs and cats. Dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is a poisonous deterrent to animals. If this plant is ingested, oral irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips. This irritation can lead to increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Elephant Ear

Elephant ear (also known as caladium, taro, pai, ape, cape, via, via sori, and malanga) contains a chemical similar to the one in dieffenbachia, so an animal’s toxic reaction to elephant ear is similar: oral irritation, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Lilies

Many plants of the lily family are considered toxic to cats, and some are considered toxic to dogs. Cats are the only animals in which the Easter and stargazer lilies are known to be toxic. Generally, a cat’s first toxic reaction to this plant includes vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite, but severe kidney failure, and even death, can quickly follow if a cat is untreated. The peace lily (also known as Mauna Loa) is toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of the peace lily or calla lily can cause irritation of the tongue and lips, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen (also known as sowbread) is a pretty, flowering plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested, this plant can cause increased salivation, vomiting and diarrhea. If an animal ingests a large amount of the plant’s tubers—which are found at the root, generally below the soil—heart rhythm abnormalities, seizures, and even death can occur.

Heartleaf Philodendron

Heartleaf philodendron (also known as horsehead philodendron, cordatum, fiddle-leaf, panda plant, split-leaf philodendron, fruit salad plant, red emerald, red princess, and saddle leaf) is a common, easy-to-grow houseplant that is toxic to dogs and cats. This philodendron contains a chemical that  can irritate the mouth, tongue, and lips of animals. An affected pet may also experience increased salivation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Jade Plant

Jade plant (also known as baby jade, dwarf rubber plant, jade tree, Chinese rubber plant, Japanese rubber plant, and friendship tree) is toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic property in this plant is unknown, but ingestion of it can cause vomiting, depression, ataxia (incoordination), and bradycardia (slow heart rate; this is rare).

Aloe Plant

Aloe plant (also known as medicine plant and Barbados aloe) is a common, succulent plant that is toxic to dogs and cats. Aloin is considered the toxic agent in this plant. This bitter, yellow substance is found in most aloe species and may cause vomiting and/or the urine to become reddish.

Satin Pothos

Satin pothos (also known as silk pothos) is toxic to dogs and cats. If ingested by a cat or dog, this plant may irritate the mouth, lips, and tongue. The pet may also experience an increase in salivation, vomiting, and/or difficulty swallowing.

Learn More

For a full list of toxic and non-toxic indoor and outdoor plants, visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) website at www.aspca.org or The Humane Society of the United States website at www.humanesociety.org.

Can dogs be around mass cane plants?

Toxic to both cats and dogs, dieffenbachia, also known as “dumb cane,” can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing, according to the ASPCA.

Is mass cane toxic to cats and dogs?

Dieffenbachia. Dieffenbachia (commonly known as dumb cane, tropic snow or exotica) is toxic to dogs and cats. Dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is a poisonous deterrent to animals. If the plant is ingested, oral irritation can occur, especially on the tongue and lips.

What if my dog eats a corn plant?

#1 Corn Plant (Dracaena frangrans) This easy to grow green is an extremely popular choice for people's homes. If ingested, symptoms include vomiting and appetite loss for both dogs and cats. In cats specifically, it can cause difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate.

How toxic is dracaena for dogs?

Dracaena is toxic to both cats and dogs. Or rather saponin, a chemical compound that is found in the plant, is toxic to them. A dog eating dracaena leaves can result in vomiting (sometimes with and sometimes without blood), diarrhea, weakness, drooling, loss of appetite, and depression.