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.
Safer alternatives
Some links earn us a small commission. They never affect our safety classifications.
Source evidence
Same dog verdict
Related plants for dogs
Autograph Tree
Clusia major
Clusia major is a tropical evergreen shrub known for its thick, leathery leaves and unique ability to grow as an epiphyte. It is commonly kept as a houseplant for its architectural foliage, but it contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgare
Common Privet is a semi-evergreen shrub often used for hedging that contains toxic compounds throughout the plant, particularly in the berries and leaves. Ingestion can lead to significant gastrointestinal distress in household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Corn Plant
Dracaena fragrans
The Corn Plant is a popular indoor shrub known for its long, arching, sword-like leaves that resemble corn stalks. While aesthetically pleasing, it contains saponins that can cause adverse reactions if ingested by pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.
Geranium Aralia
Polyscias guilfoylei
Polyscias guilfoylei is a tropical evergreen shrub often grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive, lacy foliage. It contains compounds that can cause irritation if ingested by household pets.
Potentially toxic for cats & dogs.