PlantFunChinese Evergreen Toxic?
Confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with uncomfortable non-fatal symptoms if ingested
Core toxic component is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present in all plant tissues
Vomiting occurs in exposed cats and dogs, but is not a symptom in affected horses
FAQ
Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to Humans?
Oral burning pain, swelling of mouth/tongue/lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, mild gastrointestinal upset (Low)
Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to Cats?
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Low)
Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to Dogs?
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing (Low)
Is Chinese Evergreen toxic to Horses?
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing (Low)
Toxicity Details
Oral burning pain, swelling of mouth/tongue/lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, mild gastrointestinal upset
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing
Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining plant material from the exposed individual's mouth immediately
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool clean water to flush out residual oxalate crystals
- • Offer small sips of cold milk or water to neutralize remaining crystals if swallowing is unimpaired
Contact Vet Immediately
- • If the exposed animal shows severe throat swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing
- • If vomiting in cats/dogs is persistent, bloody, or accompanied by refusal to eat or drink
- • If the animal remains lethargic or shows extreme pain 1 hour after initial exposure
Prevention
- • Place the plant out of reach of pets, horses, and young children to avoid accidental ingestion
- • Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid sap-related skin irritation
- • Dispose of pruned plant parts in sealed, inaccessible containers to prevent animal access
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Administer anti-inflammatory and antihistamine medications to reduce swelling and pain
- • Provide supportive fluid therapy for cases with impaired swallowing or dehydration
- • Monitor airway patency closely for severe cases with extreme oral or throat swelling
Professional Toxicology
• Sharp insoluble calcium oxalate crystals penetrate soft tissues in the mouth, throat and gastrointestinal tract, triggering immediate pain, irritation and swelling
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.