Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a popular vegetable in human nutrition, especially due to its sour taste, which is often used in desserts and juices. But can your dog eat rhubarb? The answer is: No, rhubarb is dangerous for dogs and should be avoided. Consuming rhubarb, particularly the leaves, can cause serious health problems in dogs.

Why is rhubarb poisonous to dogs?

Rhubarb contains oxalic acid and other substances that are toxic to dogs. This acid can lead to a disturbance of calcium balance in the body, which can severely affect the nervous system, muscles, and kidneys. In particular, the leaves of the rhubarb are rich in oxalic acid and are therefore especially poisonous.

What happens if a dog eats rhubarb?

If your dog eats rhubarb, especially the leaves, this can lead to various symptoms. These can be mild or severe, depending on the amount of rhubarb consumed:

• Vomiting and diarrhoea: First signs of poisoning.
• Drooling: Excessive salivation may indicate irritation of the digestive tract.
• Weakness and lethargy: Your dog may appear tired and show signs of weakness.
• Trembling and muscle cramps: Due to the disturbed calcium balance, muscle trembling or cramps can occur.
• Blood in urine: A sign that the kidneys are already affected.
• Kidney failure: In severe cases, rhubarb poisoning can lead to acute kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.

How much rhubarb is dangerous?

The leaves contain high levels of oxalates and are the toxic part. The stalks contain significantly less oxalic acid and are not considered a poisoning risk in veterinary medicine; however, they are still unsuitable as dog food due to their acidity.

What to do if your dog has eaten rhubarb?

If you suspect that your dog has eaten rhubarb, especially the leaves, you should immediately consult a vet. Rhubarb poisoning can have serious consequences, and prompt treatment is crucial. The vet may induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal, or, in severe cases, initiate intensive treatment to support kidney function.

Which parts of rhubarb are dangerous?

• Rhubarb leaves: These are the most poisonous as they contain a high concentration of oxalic acid.
• Rhubarb stalks: significantly lower in oxalates and not classified as toxic in veterinary medicine. They still do not belong in the bowl because they are very acidic.

In human nutrition, only the stalks are used; the leaves are always removed due to their toxicity. This distinction applies to dogs as well.

How can you prevent rhubarb poisoning?

• Store rhubarb safely: Ensure that your dog has no access to raw rhubarb, neither in the kitchen nor in the garden.
• Inform family members: Make sure everyone knows that rhubarb is poisonous to dogs.
• Do not share human food: Avoid giving your dog dishes containing rhubarb, such as rhubarb cake or juices.

The leaves are the problem

Rhubarb, particularly the leaves, is highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Due to its high oxalic acid content, rhubarb can disrupt your dog’s calcium balance and lead to symptoms such as vomiting, muscle cramps, and kidney failure. It is important to ensure that your dog has no access to rhubarb. If you suspect that your dog has eaten rhubarb, you should consult a vet immediately to prevent serious health damage.