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 Caladium safe for dogs?
Caladium hortulanum
Caladiums are popular tropical foliage plants known for their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Angel WingsCaladium hortulanumElephant EarHeart of Jesus
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Clumping
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs tend to take a bigger bite than cats, so the burning irritation can look more dramatic — but caladium's calcium-oxalate sting is still local and rarely systemic. Most dogs back off after the first chew; the bigger job is monitoring drooling, retching, and any swelling around the throat.
What to watch for
Sudden head-shaking, pawing at the muzzle, and heavy drooling within minutes. Vomiting and gagging are common. Lips and tongue may swell visibly. Less commonly, swelling extends to the upper airway — labored breathing, change in bark, or stridor are red flags.
Time window
Signs typically appear within minutes of chewing. Drooling and oral irritation usually settle within a few hours to 24 hours; airway swelling, when it occurs, can develop unpredictably.
When to call the vet
Call your vet, or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, if drooling persists more than an hour, vomiting won't stop, swelling is visible, or your dog refuses water. Any difficulty breathing or swallowing is an emergency — go immediately.
First aid at home
Rinse the mouth with cold water on a washcloth and clean any plant residue from the face; rinse the eyes if any sap touched them. A small amount of milk or yogurt may help bind the oxalate crystals. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet.
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 the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the crystalline structure of the plant tissues. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has chewed or swallowed any portion of the plant.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Caladium is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Questions about Caladium
Is caladium toxic to dogs?
Yes, caladiums are toxic to dogs. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
What happens if a dog chews on a caladium leaf?
Symptoms typically appear within minutes of chewing: sudden head-shaking, pawing at the muzzle, and heavy drooling are usually the first signs. Vomiting and gagging are common, and the lips and tongue may swell visibly. Less commonly, swelling can extend to the upper airway, causing labored breathing or stridor, which is an emergency.
What should I do if my dog ate a caladium plant?
Rinse your dog's mouth with cold water on a washcloth and remove any plant residue from the face; rinse the eyes if sap contacted them. A small amount of milk or yogurt may help bind the oxalate crystals. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet. Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if drooling persists more than an hour, vomiting won't stop, swelling is visible, or your dog refuses water.
How long do caladium poisoning symptoms last in dogs?
Drooling and oral irritation typically begin within minutes of chewing and usually settle within a few hours to 24 hours. Airway swelling, when it occurs, can develop unpredictably — labored breathing, a change in bark, or stridor require immediate emergency veterinary care rather than a wait-and-see approach.
Same dog verdict
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