Sorrel Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,392 found this helpful

Sorrel is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with soluble oxalates as its core toxic compound

Small one-time exposures typically only cause mild gastrointestinal upset with no long-term harm

Severe effects including hypocalcemia, seizures, and kidney damage only occur with massive or chronic ingestion

FAQ

Is Sorrel toxic to Humans?

No official human toxicity data provided; small accidental ingestion is low-risk, while large/repeated intake may cause GI upset or kidney irritation (Low)

Is Sorrel toxic to Cats?

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury (Low)

Is Sorrel toxic to Dogs?

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury (Low)

Is Sorrel toxic to Horses?

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury (Low)

Not sure which plant? Snap a photo to ID in 1 secondGet App

Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

No official human toxicity data provided; small accidental ingestion is low-risk, while large/repeated intake may cause GI upset or kidney irritation

Cats

Low

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury

Dogs

Low

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury

Horses

Low

Small exposures cause mild GI upset; massive/chronic ingestion leads to weakness, muscle fasciculations, seizures, arrhythmias, and secondary renal injury

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll green plant parts, particularly leaves, contain toxic soluble oxalates

Exposure RouteIngestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact does not cause toxic effects

Toxic CompoundsSoluble oxalates

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Rinse the mouth of the exposed person/animal with clean water immediately after ingestion
• Remove remaining sorrel plant material from the area to prevent further intake
• Monitor for early signs of GI upset (vomiting, diarrhea, drooling) in the first 30 minutes post-exposure

Contact Vet Immediately

• Your pet or horse has ingested a large volume of sorrel
• Clinical signs like weakness, muscle twitching, seizures, or abnormal heart rate develop
• The animal has a history of regular, chronic access to sorrel plants

Prevention

• Keep potted or garden sorrel out of reach of household cats and dogs
• Clear wild sorrel growth from horse pastures to avoid chronic grazing exposure
• Avoid feeding unprocessed sorrel to any companion or livestock animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer calcium supplements to reverse acute hypocalcemia
• IV fluid therapy is provided to flush oxalate crystals and protect renal function
• Symptomatic care is given to manage seizures, arrhythmias, and gastrointestinal upset as needed

Emergency? Open PlantFun for real-time AI guidanceGet App

Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameRumex scutatus

AliasesCommon Sorrel、Spinach-Dock、Narrow-leaved Dock、Garden sorrel

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractKidneysHeartMusculoskeletal systemNervous system

Mechanism of Action

• Soluble oxalates bind to circulating calcium in the bloodstream, leading to acute hypocalcemia

• Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals form in renal tissue, causing secondary kidney injury and dysfunction

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: At risk of oxalate poisoning with chronic grazing of sorrel-dense pastures, similar to horses

Sheep: Have higher oxalate tolerance than horses, but may develop renal injury with massive ingestion

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs): Small exposures may cause GI upset; large ingestion can lead to hypocalcemia and kidney damage

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Spinach Spinacia oleracea

Both have broad edible green leaves; spinach has lower soluble oxalate content and is not toxic to animals in normal serving sizes

Wild Buckwheat Polygonum convolvulus

Both are Polygonaceae family plants with similar leaf shape; wild buckwheat has lower oxalate concentrations and lower associated toxicity risk

Use PlantFun to scan and avoid misidentificationGet App

Related Toxic Plants

Rhubarb

Rheum rhabarbarum

Moderate toxicity; leaves are highly toxic to all animal species

Curly Dock

Rumex crispus

Low toxicity; causes similar oxalate-related effects as garden sorrel

Japanese Knotweed

Reynoutria japonica

Low to moderate toxicity; causes GI upset and renal damage in large doses

Download PlantFun App

Identify, grow and care for plants effectively!

Instant Plant ID

Take a photo to quickly identify plants.

Smart Care Reminders

Generate watering and care schedules.

Toxicity & Disease Diagnosis

Identify toxic plants and pests with treatment advice.

Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.