Is Wild Calla Toxic to Dogs?
Also known as: Water Arum, Bog Calla, Calla palustris · Calla palustris
What makes it toxic
Insoluble calcium oxalate raphides throughout the plant, concentrated in berries and rootstock. Chewing crushes cells and drives the needles into the lining of the mouth and gut.
Warning signs to watch for
Sudden drooling, oral pain and pawing at the muzzle, mild vomiting and lip swelling. Signs typically fade within hours after rinsing.
What to do if your dog eats it
Rinse the dog’s mouth thoroughly and provide fresh water. Contact your vet only if symptoms last beyond a couple of hours or swelling affects breathing or swallowing.
Common questions
A dog grabbed berries from a bog plant on a hike — was it wild calla?
Water arum has heart-shaped leaves and a white spathe around red berries in northern bogs. If that matches, expect mouth pain and drooling only; rinse and monitor.
Is it worse for a dog to chew the rootstock than leaves?
The rootstock holds the densest crystal load, so yes — more pain and swelling, though the same self-limiting mechanism applies.
More plants checked for dogs
This page is general educational information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Every pet is different — if your animal ate something concerning, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline right away. Checking what your pet can eat? Visit our sister site SafeOrToxic.