Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 7kg dog with kidney disease ate three rhubarb leaves — emergency?

Dogs · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

Yes, this is urgent — rhubarb leaves are highly toxic to dogs, especially with pre-existing kidney issues. The oxalates can cause rapid kidney damage. Call the ASPCA poison line (888-426-4435) or your emergency vet immediately, even if no symptoms show yet.

Rhubarb — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Leaves contain high levels of oxalates that can cause kidney failure; the stems are also risky in quantity. Keep rhubarb away from pets.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Rhubarb should not be given to dogs at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

A heavy salt load drives up thirst and urination, and in the worst cases leads to sodium ion poisoning, which is a genuine emergency.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Rhubarb food facts page.

Open the full food page: Rhubarb food facts →