No, dogs should not eat rhubarb. Rhubarb is toxic to dogs because of its high oxalate content, which damages the kidneys and interferes with calcium metabolism, causing vomiting, diarrhoea, and potentially kidney failure.
Why Is Rhubarb Dangerous for Dogs?
Rhubarb poses serious metabolic and kidney risks:
Soluble oxalates — Rhubarb (particularly the leaves, but also the stems) contains high levels of soluble oxalates. These bind to calcium in the digestive tract and bloodstream, creating calcium oxalate crystals that:
- Damage the kidneys
- Interfere with calcium absorption
- Cause hyperparathyroidism (over-secretion of parathyroid hormone)
- Lead to kidney stones
Gastrointestinal irritation — Oxalates directly irritate the mouth, oesophagus, and digestive tract, causing pain, drooling, and vomiting.
Cumulative toxicity — Repeated exposure to oxalate-containing foods causes progressive kidney damage, which may not be immediately noticeable.
Leaf concentration — Rhubarb leaves contain significantly higher oxalate levels than the stems (the part humans typically eat). However, the stems are still dangerous.
How Much Rhubarb Is Toxic?
The toxic dose of rhubarb is approximately 0.5 grams per kilogramme of body weight. This means:
- Small dogs (5 kg) — About 2.5 grams (a tiny piece) can cause toxicity
- Medium dogs (20 kg) — About 10 grams (roughly a 5 cm stem piece) reaches toxic levels
- Large dogs (40 kg) — About 20 grams (a larger piece) may cause symptoms
Rhubarb leaves are so concentrated that even a small piece is dangerous for small dogs.
If your dog has eaten rhubarb, contact your vet or call the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 immediately. Describe whether leaves or stems were eaten and estimate the amount.
Rhubarb is a seasonal vegetable in the UK, most common in spring and early summer. Be especially vigilant during this season when gardeners may have rhubarb plants accessible to their dogs.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms typically appear within 2–6 hours, though kidney damage may develop more slowly:
- Drooling or mouth irritation (immediate reaction, within minutes)
- Vomiting (often within 1–2 hours)
- Diarrhoea (sometimes bloody)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or depression
- Increased thirst and urination (sign of kidney problems)
- Tremors or muscle weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Jaw stiffness or quivering (from altered calcium levels)
Monitor especially in the first 6 hours and over the next 24–48 hours for developing symptoms.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Rhubarb
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Act immediately. Determine whether leaves or stems were eaten and estimate the amount.
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Call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 right away, especially if leaves were consumed.
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Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet.
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Rinse your dog's mouth with water if they just ate rhubarb and are showing signs of mouth irritation.
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Monitor for symptoms over the next 24 hours, particularly vomiting and changes in thirst/urination.
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Visit the vet for evaluation and blood work. Your vet will check kidney function, calcium levels, and liver enzymes.
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Avoid food for a few hours if vomiting occurs. Once vomiting stops, offer bland food (boiled chicken and rice).
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Ensure adequate hydration. Your dog may need IV fluids if dehydration develops.
Prevention Tips
- Keep rhubarb plants fenced off. If you grow rhubarb, ensure your dog cannot access it in the garden.
- Never leave harvested rhubarb unattended. Both stems and leaves are accessible hazards.
- Dispose of rhubarb scraps safely. Do not compost rhubarb where your dog can dig into it.
- Avoid rhubarb desserts. Never share rhubarb pie, jam, compote, or other rhubarb products with your dog.
- Be cautious at farmers markets or pick-your-own farms. Keep your dog away from rhubarb stalls and patches.
- Educate family and guests that rhubarb is toxic to dogs.
- Check if neighbours have rhubarb plants that might be accessible over a fence or hedge.
- Never assume "just a taste" is safe. Even small amounts of rhubarb can cause problems.
- Educate your dog sitter or walker about this seasonal risk.
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