Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Hanging Heliconia toxic to dogs?

Heliconia pendula

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hanging heliconia 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. Heliconia pendula is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Heliconiaceae family is not widely documented as seriously toxic, but as with many tropical ornamentals, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Treat with caution around cats and dogs.

What to do if your dog ate hanging heliconia

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move hanging heliconia 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 hanging heliconia to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is hanging heliconia toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is hanging heliconia toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists hanging heliconia 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. Heliconia pendula is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Heliconiaceae family is not widely documented as seriously toxic, but as with many tropical ornamentals, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Treat with caution around cats and dogs.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats hanging heliconia?

Heliconia pendula is not individually listed by the ASPCA. The Heliconiaceae family is not widely documented as seriously toxic, but as with many tropical ornamentals, ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in pets. Treat with caution around cats and dogs. 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 hanging heliconia.

What should I do if my dog ate hanging heliconia?

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 hanging heliconia toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Hanging Heliconia is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full hanging heliconia pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to hanging heliconia?

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 hanging heliconia pet-safety