Houseplant
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to cats and dogs?
Aglaonema species · also called Aglaonema, Philippine evergreen
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicChinese evergreen is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing it causes mouth irritation, drooling and sometimes vomiting.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer something cold to drink or eat, such as a little milk or yogurt.
- Pain usually stops pets eating much.
- Call your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or if there is any swelling around the mouth or difficulty breathing.
Signs to watch for
- Drooling
- Pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves and stems
- Substance
- Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
The details
Aglaonema is one of the most popular low-light houseplants, sold in many patterned and pink-leaved varieties. It belongs to the arum family, alongside peace lilies and pothos, and causes the same kind of painful mouth irritation. Place it on a high shelf or choose a pet-safe plant such as a cast iron plant for dark corners.
Pet-safe alternatives
Questions owners ask
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
Is Chinese evergreen toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves and stems.
What happens if a pet eats chinese evergreen?
drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer something cold to drink or eat, such as a little milk or yogurt. Pain usually stops pets eating much. Call your vet if drooling or vomiting continues, or if there is any swelling around the mouth or difficulty breathing.
What are pet-safe alternatives to chinese evergreen?
Spider plant, Boston fern, Calathea (prayer plant), Parlour palm, Hoya (wax plant).
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
