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.
dog safety reference
Is Schefflera safe for dogs?
Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera is a popular tropical houseplant known for its glossy, palm-like leaflets arranged in a circular pattern. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation upon ingestion.
Dwarf Umbrella TreeHeptapleurum arboricolaSchefflera arboricolaUmbrella Tree
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Upright shrub
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Schefflera (often sold as umbrella plant or umbrella tree) is toxic to dogs. Chewing the leaves releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that immediately burn the mouth and throat — most dogs back off after one bite, which usually keeps the dose small.
What to watch for
Look for sudden, foamy drooling, pawing at the muzzle, lip-licking, and head shaking right after a chew. Vomiting and reluctance to eat follow. The rare-but-serious signs are visible mouth or throat swelling and any change in breathing or bark.
Time window
Onset is within seconds of biting. Most dogs improve within a few hours; appetite typically returns within 24 hours in uncomplicated cases.
When to call the vet
Call immediately for any swelling around the mouth or throat, any breathing change, or repeated vomiting. For mild drooling that's clearly easing, a same-day call to your vet for advice is still appropriate.
First aid at home
Wipe the mouth with a damp cloth to remove plant fragments. Offering a small amount of milk or yogurt can help bind the oxalate crystals and reduce the burn. Do not induce vomiting. Then call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline.
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, excessive drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the needle-like crystals. Seek veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of the plant.
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Source evidence
Questions about Schefflera
Is Schefflera toxic to dogs?
Yes, Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, pawing at the mouth, and difficulty swallowing upon ingestion.
What happens if my dog chews on a Schefflera plant?
Symptoms begin within seconds of biting — the needle-like calcium oxalate crystals pierce soft tissue immediately. Expect sudden foamy drooling, pawing at the muzzle, lip-licking, and head shaking, followed by vomiting and reluctance to eat. Most dogs improve within a few hours, and appetite typically returns within 24 hours in uncomplicated cases.
What should I do if my dog ate part of a Schefflera?
Wipe your dog's mouth with a damp cloth to remove plant fragments, then offer a small amount of milk or yogurt to help bind the oxalate crystals and reduce the burning sensation. Do not induce vomiting. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Seek immediate care if you notice any swelling around the mouth or throat, changes in breathing, or repeated vomiting.
How serious is Schefflera poisoning in dogs?
Schefflera ingestion typically causes immediate discomfort rather than life-threatening illness — the calcium oxalate crystals irritate but rarely cause systemic toxicity. However, the rare-but-serious signs to watch for are visible mouth or throat swelling and any change in breathing or bark, which warrant emergency veterinary attention.
Same dog verdict
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