Is it toxic to dogs?
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa · Araceae
Also called Swiss cheese plant, Split-leaf philodendron, Cutleaf philodendron, Hurricane plant, Mexican breadfruit
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. Monstera is toxic to dogs. Chewing it releases calcium oxalate crystals that cause painful mouth irritation, heavy drooling and vomiting, although serious cases are rare.
- Toxic parts
- Whole plant, Unripe fruit
- Toxic compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
- When signs start
- Mouth pain starts right after the plant is chewed.
Signs of poisoning
- Oral irritation
- Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Heavy drooling
- Gagging
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rarely, throat swelling and trouble breathing
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Monstera, the Swiss cheese plant, is the houseplant with enormous glossy leaves full of splits and holes. It climbs with aerial roots and grows fast, so a single plant can fill a corner of the living room.
The ASPCA lists it under the name ceriman (Monstera deliciosa) as toxic to dogs, and also under cutleaf philodendron. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate, stored as needle-like crystals. Chewing a leaf releases them and causes pain, drooling and vomiting. Pet Poison Helpline lists the whole plant, including unripe fruit, as toxic and says severe throat swelling with breathing trouble is rare.
Merck Veterinary Manual gives monstera a good to excellent outlook along with other insoluble oxalate plants. Its nickname "split-leaf philodendron" is why it's often confused with true philodendron, which has the same crystals.
If your dog ate monstera
Move the plant out of reach and note how much your dog chewed. Pawing at the mouth, heavy drooling and vomiting are common. Call your vet or a poison helpline for advice. US owners can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply), and owners elsewhere can call their local emergency vet. Don't induce vomiting at home.
Go to an emergency clinic right away if your dog's face, lips or tongue swell, breathing sounds noisy or hard, or your dog can't swallow. Bring a leaf or photo so the vet can identify the plant.
Keeping your dog safe
Monstera grows big, so a high shelf isn't always an option. Put it in a room with a door your dog can't open, or use a tall stand and keep aerial roots and lower leaves trimmed back. Pick up fallen leaves right away.
Teach a dependable "leave it" and offer chews to bored dogs. If you love big, leafy houseplants, parlor palm, areca palm and Boston fern are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is monstera poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists Monstera deliciosa as toxic to dogs. The crystals in the leaves irritate the mouth and cause drooling and vomiting.
Is a Swiss cheese plant the same as monstera?
Yes. Swiss cheese plant, ceriman and hurricane plant are all common names the ASPCA lists for Monstera deliciosa, and all are toxic to dogs.
Is monstera fruit safe for dogs?
Pet Poison Helpline lists the unripe fruit as toxic too. Check with your vet before offering a dog any part of the plant.
Can monstera kill a dog?
Serious cases are rare. Merck Veterinary Manual gives monstera a good to excellent outlook, but swelling in the mouth or throat can affect breathing, so call your vet.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy