Dock

Yes, dock (Rumex sp.) is toxic to cats. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract, and the ASPCA classifies it as potentially toxic.

Expect oral irritation first — intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, followed by excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Symptoms are generally mild to moderate. Less commonly, larger ingestions can cause tremors or signs of kidney involvement such as lethargy, vomiting, or changes in urination.

Remove the plant from your cat's reach and rinse their mouth gently with water if they'll tolerate it. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or your vet, especially if drooling or vomiting persists past a few hours, your cat seems weak or wobbly, or you notice reduced urination or signs of dehydration.

Soluble oxalate irritation typically begins within hours of ingestion. The ASPCA does not document a precise onset time for cats specifically, so monitor your cat closely in the hours after any suspected ingestion and call your vet if symptoms do not resolve quickly.

Yes, dock (Rumex sp.) is potentially toxic to dogs. It contains soluble calcium oxalates that irritate the mouth and digestive tract, causing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

The most common signs are drooling or salivation, gastrointestinal upset, oral irritation, and pawing at the mouth. After larger ingestions, tremors are also possible. Signs from soluble oxalate plants are generally reported within hours of exposure.

Rinse your dog's mouth with water to clear any plant material. For mild drooling, monitor closely and call your vet if it persists beyond a few hours or your dog refuses food. If you see tremors, weakness, or unsteady walking — or if your dog ate a large quantity — call your vet immediately or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Acute kidney injury is described as rare but is the worst-case outcome to watch for, as soluble calcium oxalates can affect the kidneys in significant exposures. Most cases result only in temporary oral and GI irritation, but a large ingestion warrants a prompt veterinary call.