Is it toxic to dogs?
Philodendron
Philodendron spp. · Araceae
Also called Heartleaf philodendron, Sweetheart plant, Cordatum
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. Philodendron is toxic to dogs. Chewing it releases needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth pain, drooling and vomiting, which is miserable but usually not dangerous. Call your vet to be sure.
- Toxic parts
- All parts, including leaves and stems
- 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 and burning
- 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
Philodendrons are easygoing houseplants with heart-shaped or deeply lobed leaves, often trained up a pole or left to trail from a shelf. The ASPCA lists heartleaf philodendron and other types as toxic to dogs.
The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate, stored as microscopic needle-like crystals in the plant. When a dog chews a leaf, the crystals pierce the mouth and throat and cause pain, drooling and gagging. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline list oral irritation, drooling and vomiting, and Pet Poison Helpline notes that severe throat swelling with breathing difficulty happens only in rare instances. Merck Veterinary Manual's plant table lists kidney failure among philodendron's possible effects without naming a species, but the same chapter says insoluble oxalates do not pose a kidney concern, and neither the ASPCA nor Pet Poison Helpline lists kidney problems for dogs.
Name confusion is common. The "split-leaf philodendron" many people buy is usually monstera, which is also toxic, as is pothos.
If your dog ate philodendron
Move the plant away and note how much your dog chewed. Pawing at the mouth, drooling and vomiting are common. Call your vet or a poison helpline for advice. If you're in the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 are available (fees may apply); elsewhere, phone your local emergency vet. Never try to make your dog vomit yourself.
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
Set philodendron on a high shelf or hang it well above dog height, and trim trailing vines so they don't dangle within reach. Check the floor for dropped leaves each day.
Teach "leave it", and give chewers plenty of sturdy toys so they don't turn to your plants. If you like trailing greenery, spider plant and Boston fern are listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is philodendron poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists philodendrons, including heartleaf philodendron, as toxic to dogs because of insoluble calcium oxalates.
Are all philodendrons toxic?
The ASPCA lists each philodendron it covers as toxic to dogs, including heartleaf philodendron. Treat any plant sold as a philodendron as toxic.
Is split-leaf philodendron the same as monstera?
The name is often used for monstera (Monstera deliciosa), which is also toxic to dogs. Pet Poison Helpline lists split-leaf philodendron as an alternate name for it.
Can philodendron kill a dog?
Serious cases are rare. Merck Veterinary Manual describes insoluble oxalate plants as having 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