Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM
Are monsteras toxic to dogs? Yes, monsteras are toxic to dogs. Ingestion and direct contact with these plants can trigger undesirable adverse reactions, such as GI problems and skin irritation.
We will discuss the harmful compounds causing the monstera’s toxicity and what you can do to mitigate its worrisome side effects.
What Makes Monsteras Poisonous to Dogs?
Monsteras are commonly known as Swiss cheese plants. The most common variety called the Monstera deliciosa also goes by the names:
- Ceriman
- Cutleaf philodendron
- Hurricane plant
- Mexican breadfruit
- Split-leaf philodendron
All monstera species are deemed dangerous to dogs because of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
They come in the form of tiny, sharp needle-like particles that are embedded in the skin upon direct contact. These compounds act as the plant’s shield against the animals that attempt to consume it.
Ingesting a monstera plant leads the insoluble calcium oxalate crystals to pierce the sensitive tissues in the mouth, tongue, and throat, inducing oral irritation. They cause the same problems to the digestive system as well.
What Parts of the Monstera Are Toxic to Dogs?
The entire monstera plant is harmful to dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can be found in all of its parts, including its:
- Bark
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Roots
- Seeds
- Stems
Fruits of the monstera are reportedly edible when ripe. However, some people shared that they still experienced slight adverse reactions after ingesting it.
Thus, pawrents should not completely rule out ripe monstera fruit as a safe part of the plant for dogs.
How Toxic Are Monsteras to Dogs?
Monsteras are mildly toxic to dogs, unlike certain plants like the sago palm and lily of the valley. In most cases, oral and intestinal irritation are the most common adverse effects that may take place if canines ingest this plant.
However, consuming monsteras in large amounts spells serious disaster as severe symptoms of poisoning will take place. The irritation caused by insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause the throat to swell.
As a result, affected pets will have a hard time breathing and swallowing. Consuming food and drinking water becomes a challenging task for them.
What Are the Symptoms of Monstera Poisoning in Dogs?
Oral and stomach irritation are the most prevalent problems for dogs who ingested a monstera plant. Excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing may occur in affected pets.
In general, it takes at least 2 hours for clinical signs of monstera poisoning in dogs to appear.
Other related symptoms to look out for include:
- Nausea
- Burning sensation in the mouth
- Choking
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of the lips and tongue
If your dog is hairless or has a thin coat, coming into contact with the plant will cause itchiness, rashes, and inflamed skin. A common indicator that accompanies these symptoms is constant licking and scratching.
Know that signs of breathing difficulties is an emergency. If your furry friend is exhibiting this clinical sign, bring him to the animal clinic right away.
What To Do If My Dog Has Eaten a Monstera Plant?
Prioritize alleviating any irritation in your pet’s mouth and skin. Meticulously rinse the affected areas with clean and gentle running water.
For better precision, you can also use a damp towel to wipe him down. Then move your furry pal to an area where he does not have access to the plant.
The next step to take is to note down crucial information about what occurred. Here are some of the most important questions to figure out:
- Which parts of the monstera did your dog eat?
- How much of the plant was he able to ingest?
- How much time has passed since the incident occurred?
- Is he showing symptoms of monstera plant poisoning? If yes, how severe are they?
Contact the veterinarian or an animal poison control helpline in your area and provide them with this information.
Depending on their assessment, your dog is either simply in need of at-home treatment or requires prompt medical assistance from the vet.
How Is Monstera Poisoning in Dogs Treated?
If not long has passed since your pet ingested the monstera, its plant matter is not yet fully digested. Thus, the vet will likely induce vomiting to get rid of it, reducing the toxins in his system.
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea puts your canine companion at risk of severe dehydration.
Providing him with IV therapy prevents these health complications from occurring. Moreover, it aids in restoring the electrolytes and water that he has lost.
Medications will be administered to mitigate symptoms of poisoning. For instance, your dog will be given anti-emetics to reduce nausea and vomiting and anti-inflammatory drugs to soothe swelling.
Monstera toxicity in dogs is rarely deadly and affected pets often recover within a few days. The veterinarian might require transitioning them temporarily to a bland diet to help their digestive system recuperate.
FAQs About Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs
1. Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs and Cats?
Besides dogs, monsteras are also toxic to cats. Thus, if you own a feline, keeping these plants in your home should be avoided as well for her safety.
2. Are Monstera Leaves Toxic to Dogs?
All parts of the monstera plant are toxic to dogs, including its leaves. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that embed in the skin tissue, causing irritation.
If you own a monstera at home, place it in an elevated area and make sure to regularly clean up any fallen leaves.
3. What Happens If a Dog Eats Monstera?
If a dog eats monstera, the most likely outcome is him suffering from oral and stomach irritation. Be on the lookout for adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and swollen lips.
Consuming large amounts of the plant may cause more alarming symptoms to appear, such as breathing difficulties and dehydration. Thus, do not ignore the initial symptoms of monstera plant poisoning.
4. What to Do If My Dog Eats Monstera?
The first thing to do if your dog eats monstera is to rinse the affected areas of his body with water. It helps remove insoluble calcium oxalates and prevents them from causing more irritation.
Once done, gather important information about the situation and report it to the vet or a pet poison helpline. They help determine if your pet should receive treatment at home or needs to be rushed to an animal clinic.
Conclusion
Are monsteras toxic to dogs? Monsteras are toxic plants to dogs because they are armed with tiny, piercing crystals called insoluble calcium oxalates. Ingestion of these compounds may lead to oral irritation and stomach upset.
In large doses, the monstera plant can induce more dangerous adverse reactions like a swollen throat, breathing difficulties, and dehydration. For this reason, it is not the best choice of plant to grow in your home.
