Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Heart Fern toxic to dogs?

Hemionitis arifolia

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists heart fern as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. The heart fern is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database, and no species in its genus (Hemionitis/Parahemionitis) appears on the ASPCA list, so we cannot confirm an ASPCA non-toxic rating. As a true fern it is generally regarded as low-risk and many true ferns the ASPCA does list (such as Pteris in the same family) are non-toxic, but to be safe keep it away from pets and confirm with your vet before allowing access.

What to do if your dog ate heart fern

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move heart fern out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of heart fern to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten heart fern, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is heart fern toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is heart fern toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists heart fern as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. The heart fern is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database, and no species in its genus (Hemionitis/Parahemionitis) appears on the ASPCA list, so we cannot confirm an ASPCA non-toxic rating. As a true fern it is generally regarded as low-risk and many true ferns the ASPCA does list (such as Pteris in the same family) are non-toxic, but to be safe keep it away from pets and confirm with your vet before allowing access.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats heart fern?

The heart fern is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant database, and no species in its genus (Hemionitis/Parahemionitis) appears on the ASPCA list, so we cannot confirm an ASPCA non-toxic rating. As a true fern it is generally regarded as low-risk and many true ferns the ASPCA does list (such as Pteris in the same family) are non-toxic, but to be safe keep it away from pets and confirm with your vet before allowing access. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to heart fern.

What should I do if my dog ate heart fern?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is heart fern toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Heart Fern is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full heart fern pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to heart fern?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full heart fern pet-safety