Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Chinese Evergreen - what should I do?
Aglaonema modestum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary advice if symptoms are severe or if the animal refuses to eat or drink.
First aid at home
Wipe any plant material out of the dog's mouth with a damp cloth. Pet Poison Helpline notes that rinsing the mouth with milk or water — and offering a small amount of milk to drink — can help, because calcium in the milk binds the oxalate crystals and reduces irritation. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed.
What to watch for
Pawing at the mouth, foamy drooling, head-shaking, decreased appetite, and vomiting. Watch the muzzle and tongue for visible swelling; rare severe cases involve airway swelling and breathing changes.
Time window
Onset is fast, typically within minutes of chewing. ASPCA notes the painful effects usually fade within 12–24 hours of ingestion.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if drooling does not stop within an hour, your dog will not eat or drink, the tongue or muzzle is visibly swollen, or there is any change in breathing.
What this means for your dog
Dogs that bite a Chinese evergreen leaf get an immediate burst of mouth pain — the leaves contain insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals that embed in the tongue, lips, and gums. ASPCA classifies it as toxic, but reactions are usually self-limiting; most dogs spit the leaf out, drool a lot, and feel better within 12–24 hours with supportive care.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.