Cats & Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
Pet safety reference
Dock
Rumex sp.
Dock is a genus of perennial herbs often found in fields and gardens that contains soluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion of any part of the plant can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract.
DockRumexRumex sp.Sorrel
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial
- Care
- Low
Safety status
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Cats — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally mild to moderate due to mechanical irritation from oxalate crystals. Please contact your veterinarian if your cat has ingested this plant.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing or pawing at the mouth.
Escalation note
While usually not life-threatening, the irritation can be distressing. Consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed significant amounts of the plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Dock is listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of soluble calcium oxalates.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Rumex
botanical · 94% reliability
A genus of perennial herbs in the Polygonaceae family, commonly known as dock or sorrel.
Often compared with
Same safety verdict
Other plants with the same verdict
Buttercup
Ranunculus spp.
Buttercups are flowering plants known for their bright, cup-shaped blooms, but they contain compounds that can cause irritation if ingested. They are generally considered toxic to household pets due to the presence of protoanemonin.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Cow Parsnip
Heracleum maximum
Cow parsnip is a large, herbaceous perennial member of the carrot family known for its tall stature and umbrella-like flower clusters. It contains furanocoumarins that can cause significant skin and mucosal irritation upon contact.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Peony
Paeonia officinalis
The peony is a popular garden perennial known for its large, showy blooms. While prized for its beauty, all parts of the plant contain paeonol, which can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Ranger's Button
Sphenosciadium capitellatum
Ranger's Button is a perennial herb native to the western United States, known for its distinct, button-like flower clusters. It is considered toxic to pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Same growing conditions
Plants for the same room
Daylily
Hemerocallis spp.
Day lilies are popular garden perennials known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. While beautiful, they are highly dangerous to cats and should be kept strictly out of reach.
Potentially toxic for cats.
Uncertain for dogs.
Spreading Dogbane
Apocynum androsaemifolium
Bitter Root is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its pink, bell-shaped flowers and milky sap. It contains cardiac glycosides that are harmful if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Iris
Iris species
Iris species are popular perennial garden plants known for their showy, complex flowers and sword-like foliage. They contain chemical compounds that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.