# Is Philodendron Toxic to Dogs? Varieties and Symptoms Yes, philodendron is toxic to dogs. Every common variety, from heartleaf to Monstera to Brasil, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that injure the mouth and digestive tract when chewed or swallowed. Most dogs recover with supportive care, but severe swelling can rarely block the airway. This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. ## Quick Answer - All philodendron varieties are toxic to dogs, including heartleaf, Brasil, Micans, Hope, and Monstera, because they all contain calcium oxalate crystals [1][2][3]. - The crystals are not absorbed into the body. They cause direct mechanical injury to the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat [2]. - Typical signs are intense oral burning, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and trouble swallowing [1][2]. - Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 right away. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. - Bring a photo or cutting of the plant so the veterinarian can identify it. ## Is Philodendron Toxic to Dogs? Yes. The ASPCA lists tree philodendron, heartleaf philodendron, and variegated philodendron as toxic to dogs [1][2][3]. These plants belong to the Araceae family, a group that also includes pothos, dieffenbachia, and peace lilies. Poisoning from indoor plants is a recognized problem for pets that share living space with their owners [4]. ### Which Varieties Matter Owners often ask about specific cultivars by name. Here is how the common ones line up. **Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum).** Also called cordatum or sweetheart plant. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [2]. **Philodendron Brasil.** This is a variegated cultivar of heartleaf philodendron. The ASPCA lists variegated philodendron (Scindapsus, Philodendron spp.) as toxic to dogs and cats [3]. Same plant family, same crystals, same risk. **Philodendron Micans.** A velvety-leaved cultivar of heartleaf philodendron. It falls under the same species record and carries the same toxicity [2]. **Philodendron Hope (Philodendron selloum, also called tree philodendron or thaumatophyllum).** Listed as toxic to dogs and cats with calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle [1]. **Monstera (Monstera deliciosa).** Often called split-leaf philodendron, though it is a separate genus. It belongs to the same Araceae family and contains the same type of crystals. Treat it as toxic. The practical answer is simple. If a plant is sold as a philodendron, assume it is toxic to your dog. ### Which Parts Are Toxic All parts of the plant contain the crystals, including leaves, stems, and roots. The thick stem may hold the largest amount. In a fatal case involving a related Araceae plant, a dog chewed intensely on the thick stem and developed severe swelling of the throat [5]. Dried or fallen leaves are still a risk. So is the water in a vase or saucer if plant material has been sitting in it. ## The Toxic Principle: Insoluble Calcium Oxalate Crystals Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals [1][2][3]. These are tiny, needle-shaped structures bundled inside plant cells. They are sometimes called raphides. When your dog bites or chews the plant, the cells rupture and release thousands of these microscopic needles. The crystals penetrate the soft tissue of the mouth, tongue, lips, and throat. This is a physical injury, not a chemical poison that travels through the bloodstream. That distinction matters for two reasons. First, signs usually start within minutes of chewing because the damage is immediate and local. Second, the crystals are not absorbed in a way that causes organ failure the way some other toxins do. The danger comes from pain, swelling, vomiting, and, in rare cases, airway obstruction. A related Araceae plant, Dieffenbachia picta, caused fatal asphyxiation in a dog from edema of the glottis a few hours after the first signs appeared [5]. That case involved intense chewing on a thick stem. Death from this type of poisoning is rare, and most dogs recover with conservative management [5]. Still, the airway risk is real and it is why swelling around the throat deserves immediate attention. ## Symptoms of Philodendron Poisoning in Dogs Signs reflect direct irritation of the mouth and upper digestive tract. The ASPCA lists oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing [1][3]. Heartleaf philodendron adds pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips [2]. ### What You May See at Home - Pawing at the mouth or rubbing the face on the floor - Drooling more than usual, sometimes thick or stringy - Whining or refusing to eat or drink - Swelling or redness of the lips, tongue, or gums - Vomiting, sometimes shortly after chewing - Gagging, retching, or gulping - Difficulty swallowing or a change in bark - Restlessness or hiding ### Timeline Signs usually begin within minutes to a couple of hours of chewing. Oral pain and drooling tend to appear first because the crystals act on contact. Vomiting may follow within the first hour or two. Swelling can progress over the first few hours, which is why a dog who looks mildly uncomfortable at first still needs a call to the veterinarian. In the fatal Dieffenbachia case, severe respiratory distress came on acutely and the dog did not respond to emergency procedures [5]. That is the scenario to prevent, not wait out. ## Is Philodendron Toxic to Puppies? Yes, and puppies are often at higher risk. They explore with their mouths, they chew more, and they are smaller, so a given amount of plant material causes more irritation relative to body size. Puppies also tend to swallow what they chew instead of spitting it out. If your puppy chewed a philodendron, treat it as an urgent call even if the puppy seems fine at first. Watch closely for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and any change in breathing. Do not wait for signs to become severe before calling for advice. ## What to Do Right Now 1. Move your dog away from the plant and remove any plant material from the mouth if you can do so safely. Do not put your fingers deep into the throat. 2. Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. 3. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to. Vomiting brings the crystals back up through the mouth and throat and can cause a second round of injury. 4. Do not give food, milk, yogurt, or home remedies unless a veterinarian advises it. 5. Offer small amounts of water if your dog wants to drink and can swallow. 6. Take a photo of the plant or bring a cutting with you. Identification helps guide treatment. 7. Watch breathing closely. Labored breathing, a whistling sound, or a blue tint to the gums is an emergency. If you are unsure whether your dog actually ate the plant, call anyway. It is far better to ask than to wait. ## Veterinary Treatment Treatment is supportive and aimed at relieving pain and controlling swelling. Your veterinarian will ask what plant, which part, and how much was chewed, then examine your dog's mouth and throat. Common steps include: - Rinsing the mouth to remove remaining plant material - Pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs - Medications to coat and soothe the mouth and stomach - Fluids under the skin or into a vein if your dog is vomiting or not drinking - Anti-nausea medication - Oxygen and airway support if breathing is affected Your veterinarian calculates every medication dose from your dog's weight and health status. There is no home dose to give. If your dog is having trouble breathing, this is an emergency. Call ahead so the clinic can prepare. If you want to understand how other plant and household poisonings are handled, see [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) and [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs). ## Outlook for Dogs Who Ate Philodendron Most dogs recover. Reports of dumb cane poisoning, a close relative in the same plant family, suggest that dogs usually recover uneventfully with conservative management, and death from asphyxiation is a rare but possible outcome [5]. Dogs who only mouthed a leaf often feel better within a day or two with pain control. Dogs who chewed stems heavily or swallowed plant material may need longer support and monitoring. The dogs at highest risk are those with swelling that affects the throat or those who develop breathing difficulty. ## Prevention and Safer Alternatives The most reliable prevention is to keep philodendrons out of reach or out of the house. Hanging planters help only if your dog cannot reach them by jumping or climbing. A closed room or a tall shelf works for some households, but many dogs find a way. Other steps that help: - Pick up fallen leaves and stems right away - Keep plant water and saucers out of reach - Train a "leave it" cue and reward your dog for ignoring plants - Give your dog safe chew toys so houseplants are less interesting - Reconsider plants you keep at nose height, especially with puppies If you want a full list of plants to avoid, review [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs). If your dog is also on parasite prevention, side effects from those products can sometimes mimic plant reactions, so it helps to know both. See [What Are The Side Effects Of Flea And Tick Medication For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/what-are-the-side-effects-of-flea-and-tick-medication-for-dogs) and [Side Effects Of Flea Medicine For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/side-effects-of-flea-medicine-for-dogs). Safer houseplants for dog households include spider plant, Boston fern, and parlor palm. Check any new plant against a reliable toxic plant list before you bring it home. ## Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian This article covers general information. Your dog's individual case needs a veterinarian who can examine the mouth, throat, and breathing and decide on treatment. **Call the same day if your dog:** - Chewed any part of a philodendron - Is drooling more than usual or pawing at the mouth - Vomited once or twice but seems otherwise stable - Is eating and drinking less than normal **Go to an emergency clinic now if your dog:** - Is having trouble breathing, breathing loudly, or breathing with the neck stretched out - Has swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat that is getting worse - Cannot swallow or is gagging repeatedly - Has gums that look pale, blue, or gray - Collapsed or is very weak **Schedule a routine visit if your dog:** - Had mild signs that have fully resolved but you want a check - Has a sore mouth that is not healing - Kept chewing plants and you need help with prevention When in doubt, call. Poison control lines and veterinary clinics would rather answer a question about a leaf than treat a dog in respiratory distress. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Monstera toxic to dogs? Yes. Monstera belongs to the same plant family as philodendron and contains the same insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing it causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting, and it should be kept out of your dog's reach. ### Is Philodendron Brasil toxic to dogs? Yes. Brasil is a variegated cultivar of heartleaf philodendron, and variegated philodendron is listed as toxic to dogs and cats. The crystals are the same, so the signs and the response are the same as for other philodendrons. ### Is Philodendron Hope toxic to dogs? Yes. Tree philodendron, also called Philodendron Hope or Philodendron selloum, is listed as toxic to dogs and cats with calcium oxalate crystals as the toxic principle. Expect oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing if it is chewed. ### Is Philodendron Micans toxic to dogs? Yes. Micans is a cultivar of heartleaf philodendron, which is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Keep it where your dog cannot reach it, and call your veterinarian if your dog chews it. ### Can a dog die from eating philodendron? Death is rare but possible. Most dogs recover with supportive care, but severe swelling of the throat can block the airway, and a related plant in the same family caused fatal asphyxiation in one reported case. Breathing difficulty is the sign that means emergency care right away. ## Related Articles - [Plants Poisonous To Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/plants-poisonous-to-dogs) - [What Are The Side Effects Of Flea And Tick Medication For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/what-are-the-side-effects-of-flea-and-tick-medication-for-dogs) - [Dog Grape Toxicity Symptoms](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/dog-grape-toxicity-symptoms) - [Side Effects Of Flea Medicine For Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/parasitic-diseases/side-effects-of-flea-medicine-for-dogs) - [Common Houseplants Toxic to Cats and Dogs](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/common-houseplants-toxic-to-cats-and-dogs) - [What Are the Side Effects of Thyroid Medication for Dogs?](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/pet-medication-guide/dog-thyroid-medication-side-effects) - [Is Philodendron Toxic to Cats? Varieties and Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/philodendron-toxic-to-cats) - [Is Heartleaf Philodendron Toxic to Cats? Signs to Know](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/heartleaf-philodendron-toxic-cats) - [Is Begonia Toxic to Dogs? Types and Risks](/knowledge/veterinary-medicine/toxicology-and-food-safety/begonia-toxic-dogs) ## References 1. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Tree Philodendron](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/tree-philodendron). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 2. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Heartleaf Philodendron](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/heartleaf-philodendron). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 3. [Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Variegated Philodendron](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/variegated-philodendron). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. 4. [Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32851047/). Frontiers in veterinary science, 2020. 5. [Accidental fatal poisoning of a dog by Dieffenbachia picta (dumb cane)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14513888/). Veterinary and human toxicology, 2003. ## Further Reading - [ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) - [ASPCA: People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets](https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) - [U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Potentially Dangerous Items for Your Pet](https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet)