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Is Philodendron toxic to dogs?

Philodendron hederaceum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists philodendron 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. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty.

What to do if your dog ate philodendron

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

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

Is philodendron toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is philodendron toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists philodendron 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. ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats philodendron?

ASPCA lists philodendrons as toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing causes oral pain, drooling and swallowing difficulty. 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 philodendron.

What should I do if my dog ate philodendron?

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 philodendron toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to philodendron?

Good dog-safe swaps that keep a similar look include string of hearts, wax plant (hoya carnosa), peperomia — all ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs. See the full pet-safe alternatives to philodendron.

Full philodendron pet-safety