Houseplant
Is Philodendron toxic to cats and dogs?
Philodendron species · also called Heartleaf philodendron
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicPhilodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals and cause mouth pain and drooling when chewed.
By Maya Hart
If your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and stems
- Substance
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Philodendron toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
Is Philodendron toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
What happens if a pet eats philodendron?
drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
What are pet-safe alternatives to philodendron?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Areca palm, Moth orchid.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
