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 — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Dock contain irritating compounds that can cause drooling if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Dock rarely leads to serious trouble, but its oxalic acid can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. 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.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Salivation, weakness, kidney damage
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Rumex sp.
- Common name
- Dock
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts
- Compounds
- Oxalic acid
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Salivation, weakness, kidney damage
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Polygonaceae
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