Dock
Rumex sp. · Polygonaceae
How it looks
Dock is a herbaceous plant with long, narrow oval leaves that grow in a basal cluster from the root, their margins wavy. The flower stalk rises straight to 3–5 ft (1–1.5 m), bearing small green-to-brown flowers in spike-like clusters. The leaves have a sour taste when cut and the plant is common in the wild.
Caution — drooling and tremors; kidney failure is rare
All parts of Dock contain oxalic acid that can cause drooling and tremors if chewed. In rare cases this can progress to kidney failure, so as a caution-level plant it calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Kidney failure (rare), Tremors, Drooling
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
The oxalic acid in dock irritates the mucous membranes, so chewing it can bring on drooling and tremors. Kidney failure is rare, but it has been reported.
Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach.
If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Rumex sp.
- Common name
- Dock
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Oxalic acid
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Related plants
Same plant family· Polygonaceae
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