Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Flamingo Flower safe for dogs?
Anthurium scherzeranum
The Flamingo Flower is a popular tropical houseplant known for its vibrant, waxy spathes and deep green foliage. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
AnthuriumAnthurium scherzeranumFlamingo FlowerPainter's Palette
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs: not safe, but rarely life-threatening. The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves cause an instant burning bite that usually makes a dog drop the plant fast — the result is acute oral pain and drool more than a serious systemic poisoning.
What to watch for
Drooling, pawing at the muzzle or rubbing the face on the floor, vomiting, lip and tongue swelling, and refusal to eat. Larger ingestions can cause noticeable oral edema; rarely, upper-airway swelling makes breathing difficult and is the one urgent scenario.
Time window
Signs appear within minutes and almost always within 2 hours of chewing. Oral signs typically resolve within 12–24 hours.
When to call the vet
Call if drooling lasts more than 30–60 minutes, you see swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, vomiting continues, your dog won't eat, or there is any change in breathing.
First aid at home
Remove plant material and offer milk, tuna water, or chicken broth — the calcium in dairy binds the oxalate crystals and the dilution eases the burn. Do not induce vomiting; bringing the crystals back up only re-injures the mouth and esophagus.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or ingested this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Flamingo Flower is toxic to both cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Anthurium scherzeranum is a perennial herb in the Araceae family, native to Costa Rica.
Same dog verdict
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