Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Black Calla - what should I do?
Arum palestinum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the release of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested this plant.
First aid at home
Per Pet Poison Helpline, do not induce vomiting at home and do not give hydrogen peroxide without first speaking to a poison control specialist or veterinarian. Wipe any loose plant material from the mouth if you can do so safely, and bring a piece of the plant for identification.
What to watch for
Most common: foaming at the mouth, pawing or rubbing the muzzle on the floor, vocalizing in pain, and vomiting. Watch for swelling of the lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing, and refusal of food or water. Rarely, upper-airway swelling can compromise breathing.
Time window
Oral burning starts within minutes of the bite, since damage is from physical crystal injury rather than absorbed toxin. Most dogs recover within 24 hours with supportive care; visible oral swelling can take 1–2 days to settle.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435) right away if drooling is persistent, your dog is retching, the mouth or tongue looks swollen, or breathing changes. Severe oral swelling or any breathing trouble means call now, not later.
What this means for your dog
Dogs — toxic. Black Calla's insoluble calcium oxalate crystals release on chewing and immediately sting a dog's mouth, tongue, and throat. Dogs are more likely than cats to take a large bite before backing off, so a single chew can produce a dramatic foaming-and-pawing reaction even though serious systemic toxicity is uncommon.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.