Yes. Philodendrons are toxic to cats, dogs and people. The ASPCA lists heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (ASPCA: Heartleaf Philodendron). It lists split-leaf philodendron as toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA: Split Leaf Philodendron).
If your pet or child has just chewed a leaf, the pain usually shows straight away. Stay calm, remove the plant material, and use the steps below.
Why Philodendron Hurts
The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate, according to both the ASPCA and NC State Extension. NC State lists the poisonous parts of heartleaf philodendron as flowers, fruits, leaves, roots, sap and stems (NC State: Philodendron hederaceum). Its page for tree philodendron adds bark and seeds (NC State: Philodendron bipinnatifidum).
NC State rates the poison severity of both species as low. Low severity does not mean harmless. The irritation is immediate and can cause real swelling.
Signs in Cats and Dogs
The ASPCA lists these clinical signs for heartleaf philodendron:
- Oral irritation
- Pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting (horses do not vomit)
- Difficulty swallowing
For split-leaf philodendron it describes intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips.
Drooling or sudden trouble eating after time near the plant is a reason to check its leaves for bite marks.
What to Do for a Pet
- Remove any plant pieces from the animal’s mouth and the floor.
- Note which plant it was, roughly how much is missing, and when it happened. A photo of the plant helps.
- Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA notes a consultation fee may apply.
- Treat swelling that interferes with breathing or swallowing as an emergency and go to a veterinary clinic.
Signs and First Aid in People
The National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control: Dieffenbachia and Philodendron) describes pain and swelling in the mouth, excessive drooling, and difficult or painful swallowing. Severe cases can lose speech. Sap on skin can cause rash, redness, swelling and dermatitis. Sap in the eye can cause irritation and corneal abrasion, and rarely permanent eye damage.
Its first aid advice:
- Mouth: rinse with water and spit to remove plant material. Ice chips or frozen treats can relieve pain.
- Skin: wash thoroughly with soap and water for 15 minutes.
- Eyes: irrigate with water for at least 15 minutes.
- Help: call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 (US) or use the webPOISONCONTROL online tool.
- Emergency: call 911 for excessive drooling, severe mouth swelling, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Keeping Philodendron in a Home With Pets or Children
Clemson Extension notes that all parts of philodendron are toxic if eaten (Clemson HGIC 1509). Practical steps:
- Grow trailing types in hanging pots or on high shelves, and check that vines do not hang within reach.
- Pick up fallen leaves and pruned stems promptly.
- Wear gloves when pruning or repotting. NC State lists contact dermatitis among philodendron problems.
- Wash hands after handling the plant, before touching your eyes.
Pothos carries the same calcium oxalate risk; see our pothos pet toxicity guide. For alternatives, see our pet-safe plants guide.
Related guides
Other philodendron problems we cover: yellow leaves, nutrient deficiency, new leaf stuck in its sheath, brown leaf tips, fungal leaf spot.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Heartleaf Philodendron
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: Split Leaf Philodendron
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Philodendron hederaceum
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Philodendron bipinnatifidum
- National Capital Poison Center: Dieffenbachia and Philodendron
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 1509: Philodendron