PlantFunTree Philodendron Toxic?
Confirmed toxic to cats and dogs; toxicity risk to horses is currently unstudied and unknown
Primary toxic component is sharp, insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that trigger immediate local irritation
Ingestion typically causes oral pain, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in affected animals
FAQ
Is Tree Philodendron toxic to Humans?
Expected to cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth/lips/tongue, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing consistent with calcium oxalate exposure (Low)
Is Tree Philodendron toxic to Cats?
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing (Moderate)
Is Tree Philodendron toxic to Dogs?
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing (Moderate)
Is Tree Philodendron toxic to Horses?
Toxicity risk and associated clinical signs are currently unconfirmed (Unknown)
Toxicity Details
Expected to cause oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth/lips/tongue, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing consistent with calcium oxalate exposure
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing
Toxicity risk and associated clinical signs are currently unconfirmed
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove any remaining plant matter from the affected individual's mouth immediately
- • Rinse the mouth thoroughly with cool, clean water to reduce crystal-related irritation
- • Offer small sips of plain water or milk if the individual can swallow without distress
- • Monitor closely for signs of breathing difficulty or swelling around the mouth/face
Contact Vet Immediately
- • Your pet is experiencing excessive drooling, repeated vomiting, or obvious oral pain after exposure
- • Your pet shows signs of difficulty swallowing, breathing, or has swelling around the mouth/face
- • A large volume of plant material was ingested, or symptoms persist for more than 2 hours
Prevention
- • Place potted Tree Philodendron plants in areas completely inaccessible to pets and young children
- • Wear disposable gloves when pruning or handling the plant to avoid sap contact with skin or eyes
- • Dispose of all pruned plant cuttings immediately in sealed waste containers to prevent accidental ingestion
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Supportive care including cool oral rinses and pain management to reduce local irritation
- • Antihistamines or anti-inflammatory medications may be administered to reduce tissue swelling
- • Fluid therapy may be provided if dehydration occurs due to vomiting or difficulty ingesting water
- • Rare severe cases may require airway support if upper airway swelling develops
Professional Toxicology
• Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals present in all plant tissues embed into soft mucous membrane tissue upon ingestion or contact, triggering immediate pain, irritation, and inflammation of affected areas
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.