Is Philodendron Toxic to Pets?
Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Philodendron spp.
- Toxic compound
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and stems
- Also known as
- heartleaf philodendron, sweetheart plant
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Drooling
- Burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue
- Vomiting
- Trouble swallowing
What to do
If your cat ate philodendron
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate philodendron
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate philodendron
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Heartleaf and split-leaf philodendrons both contain irritating crystals. Signs are usually limited to the mouth and stomach.
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Frequently asked questions
Is philodendron toxic to cats?
Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is philodendron toxic to dogs?
Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Is philodendron toxic to horses?
Yes — philodendron is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include pawing at the mouth or face, drooling, burning or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue.
Which parts of philodendron are toxic?
Leaves and stems.
What makes philodendron toxic?
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.