Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Monstera - what should I do?
Monstera deliciosa
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, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and decreased appetite due to discomfort.
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 your dog's mouth with a damp cloth. Offer cool water; a small amount of milk or yogurt can ease the burning by binding oxalate crystals. Then call ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661). Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
What to watch for
Pawing at the mouth, foamy drooling, head-shaking, decreased appetite, vomiting (sometimes with bits of plant), and difficulty swallowing. Watch the muzzle and tongue for visible swelling; rare cases involve airway swelling and breathing difficulty.
Time window
Signs typically appear within minutes of chewing. With supportive care, most dogs recover within 24–48 hours; persistent or worsening signs warrant a vet visit.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or a poison hotline immediately if drooling does not stop within an hour, the 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 chew Monstera get a sharp burst of mouth pain almost immediately — the leaves contain insoluble calcium-oxalate crystals that embed in the tongue, lips, and gums. It is mildly toxic, not deadly: most dogs spit the leaf out, drool a lot, and are back to normal within a day or two.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.