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 Philodendron safe for dogs?
Philodendron spp.
Philodendrons are popular tropical foliage plants known for their lush, heart-shaped or split leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested.
Philodendron PertusumPhilodendron spp.Split-leaf PhilodendronSweetheart Plant
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Vining or climbing
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs that bite or chew philodendron leaves get an immediate mouthful of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — microscopic needles that puncture the soft tissues of the lips, tongue, and throat. Most dogs spit the leaf out fast because the burn is sharp, so reactions are usually painful and dramatic but not life-threatening. The bigger risk is significant swallowing: GI irritation, repeated vomiting, and (rarely) airway swelling can land an unlucky dog at the emergency vet.
What to watch for
Pawing at the mouth, head shaking, and lip smacking start almost immediately. Expect heavy drooling, intense oral pain, and often vomiting within minutes. Watch for difficulty or refusal to swallow, pawing at the face, and any swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat — airway swelling is uncommon but is the symptom that turns this from painful to urgent.
Time window
Oral pain and drooling usually appear right away; some signs can take up to about two hours to show. With supportive care, mild cases typically resolve within 12–24 hours; vomiting and reduced appetite may linger a day or two.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) any time you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, refusal to eat or drink, or visible swelling of the mouth or throat. Go straight to an emergency clinic for any change in breathing, loud swallowing, or collapse — those suggest airway involvement.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material still in your dog's mouth and gently flush the mouth with clean, cool water to wash out remaining crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing the leaf material back up causes more burning to the esophagus, mouth, and stomach. Then call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline for next steps.
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 usually results in immediate discomfort due to the mechanical irritation of calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
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
Philodendron species are listed as toxic to both cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Philodendron is a large genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family, often used as houseplants.
Questions about Philodendron
Are philodendrons toxic to dogs?
Yes, philodendrons 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 symptoms will my dog show after eating a philodendron?
Symptoms appear almost immediately: pawing at the mouth, head shaking, lip smacking, heavy drooling, and intense oral pain, often followed by vomiting within minutes. Watch closely for difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat or drink, or any swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat — airway swelling is uncommon but turns this from painful to urgent.
What should I do if my dog ate a philodendron?
Remove any plant material still in your dog's mouth and gently flush the mouth with cool water to wash out remaining crystals. Do NOT induce vomiting — bringing leaf material back up causes more burning to the esophagus and mouth. Then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for next steps.
How long do philodendron symptoms last in dogs?
Oral pain and drooling usually appear right away and some signs can take up to two hours to develop. With supportive care, mild cases typically resolve within 12–24 hours, though vomiting and reduced appetite may linger a day or two. Call your vet if your dog shows persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, or visible swelling of the mouth or throat.
Same dog verdict
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