Can a Chihuahua eat rhubarb?
NO. The leaves are highly toxic.
Why
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates that can cause kidney failure. The cooked stalk is less dangerous but still not recommended for small dogs.
Symptoms if he ate it
They can show up anywhere from minutes to hours after eating it. Any combination of these signs means calling the vet without waiting.
- ⚠️ Drooling
- ⚠️ Tremors
- ⚠️ Loss of appetite
- ⚠️ Abnormal urine
If your Chihuahua ate rhubarb:
- 1. Call your vet or a 24-hour emergency clinic. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
- 2. Bring the package or whatever is left of it, if you can.
- 3. Do NOT make him throw up unless a professional tells you to.
- 4. Write down the time and roughly how much he ate.
What to give him instead of rhubarb
An adult Chihuahua weighs about 3 to 6 pounds, so an amount that wouldn't bother a big dog can be serious for him. That's why there's no margin with dangerous foods: the best plan is to keep them out of his reach entirely. His diet should be built on a good-quality dry food made for toy breeds, and treats shouldn't go over 10% of his daily calories.
This information is for general guidance and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed veterinarian. Every Chihuahua can react differently; if in doubt, always check with a professional.