Is Heart of Fire toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists heart of fire 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. Bromelia balansae is not individually listed by the ASPCA. While the Bromeliaceae family is generally considered non-toxic, some Bromelia species contain saponin-like compounds and calcium oxalate crystals that can cause transient oral irritation and mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. The sharply spined leaves also present a significant physical hazard to pets and children. Treat with caution.

Bromelia balansae is not individually listed by the ASPCA. While the Bromeliaceae family is generally considered non-toxic, some Bromelia species contain saponin-like compounds and calcium oxalate crystals that can cause transient oral irritation and mild gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested. The sharply spined leaves also present a significant physical hazard to pets and children. Treat with caution. 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 of fire.

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.

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

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.