Your dog will start to feel discomfort in their mouth and on their lips as soon as they ingest a Monstera leaf. Along with swelling of the mouth and esophagus, which can make it difficult to swallow and eat, vomiting may also happen.
Your dog may exhibit the following signs if they have consumed any Monstera plant material:
- their lips, mouth, and/or tongue are burning
- irritation in their mouth, throat, and even on their lips and tongue.
- excessive salivation
- Having trouble swallowing
- scratching their mouth or pawing at it
- Vomiting
More serious and potentially fatal issues can develop if the dog eats a large amount of Monstera. This covers death, coma, liver failure, kidney failure, and more. Fortunately, most dogs don’t consume enough Monstera to result in such major health issues, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen.
It is advised to keep the Monstera out of your pet’s reach because it can cause a situation that could be life-threatening. Additionally, you must promptly pick up any leaves or other plant materials that have fallen to the ground from the plant.
Will Monstera kill my dog?
If your dog eats a lot of the plant, monstera poisoning can be lethal. Fortunately, most cases do not pose a life-threatening risk, in part because dogs avoid eating the plant because it tastes so bad. The majority of dogs who chew on Monstera plants recover fully.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t ignore the situation if you see your dog gnawing on a Monstera plant. If your dog has consumed any Monstera plant, contact poison control or your veterinarian. It is advised to err on the side of caution with any health condition because the plant might be fatal.
It is advised to take your dog to the vet as a preventative measure because they may assist in treating any potential symptoms that your dog may be exhibiting. Even while you might not want to spend the extra money on a vet appointment, if you wait until more severe symptoms appear, you may end up with a much greater bill.
How long do the symptoms of Monstera poisoning last in dogs?
For a few days to perhaps a few weeks, Monstera poisoning might cause side effects. However, keep in mind that this can change based on how much of the plant your dog consumes and their size. The majority of the time, side symptoms should start to go away after 48 hours.
Because side effects can differ, it is advisable to keep an eye on your dog. Keep a record of when they last ate, drank, and went to the restroom. In the event that they haven’t urinated, eaten, or drunk anything in more than 24 hours, call an emergency veterinarian right away.
What occurs if a dog consumes Monstera?
Your dog may paw at their mouth or otherwise show signs of facial pain if they consume a piece of a monstera plant. Calcium oxalate crystals in a dog’s mouth can inflict pain, irritation, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, as well as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, trouble swallowing, excessive drooling, and choking.
Though each of these signs of poisoning can be concerning, the last one is particularly risky. Your dog may become unable to breathe if the swelling is too severe, prompting an urgent trip to the clinic.
How well your dog’s body can process eating a part of a monstera may depend on factors like age, size, and any underlying medical issues. Thankfully, pets usually do not die after consuming a monstera plant. A dog that has consumed or bit into a portion of a monstera plant, nevertheless, needs to be properly watched for any severe adverse reactions, such as oral discomfort that intensifies.
In order to try and ease the pain or wash out some of the crystals, it is also a good idea to encourage your pet to drink some water. However, this is unlikely to completely relieve their discomfort.
It is also OK to take a dog who has consumed monstera to the doctor as a preventative step, even if it appears that they did not consume much of the plant. Your veterinarian will probably be able to assist your dog manage the pain even if the reaction is not life-threatening.
You might also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855)764-7661 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4425 for help and guidance, but it’s crucial to know that both programs charge $75 for a consultation.
As was already indicated, your dog won’t likely continue chewing on the plant after taking an exploratory bite because of the discomfort the calcium oxalate crystals will cause. Once a dog has experienced the reaction, they are unlikely to want to try to eat the plant again. The reaction sets in quickly (approximately 30 seconds), so they are likely to link cause and effect.
To be cautious, it is generally a good idea to relocate the monstera plant out of your dog’s reach even if he has already bitten a plant in the past and is unlikely to try to get at it again.
What dosage of Monstera is harmful to dogs?
Because of their insoluble sharp or needle-like oxalate crystals, or insoluble calcium oxalate known as raphides, monstera are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets. When chewed or swallowed, they will embed in mucus, causing intense stinging or burning in the mouth, throat, or lips.
The Monstera plant’s leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and flowers are all poisonous or toxic. And since all 45 species are affected, even M. adansonii, Split-leaf philodendron, and Monstera deliciosa are poisonous to cats, dogs, and other animals.
We are aware that fully ripened Monstera deliciosa fruits are safe to eat and not poisonous. However, avoid giving them to your dog or cat because they might not be the healthiest option.
The majority of the other houseplants in the Araceae family, excluding Monstera, also contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These plants consist of:
- stupid cane (Dieffenbachia spp.)
- Asian evergreen (Aglaonema)
- Calm lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
- Caladium lily
- Philodendrons
- Huge Taro (Alocasia antiquorum)
- Flowering Flamingo (Anthurium spp.)
- Animal ears (Caladium spp.)
- Pothos
But because the concentration of these crystals varies from plant to plant, the intensity of the symptoms vary as well. For instance, the symptoms from a dumb cane will be more severe.
If you are already frightened, it may help to know that Monstera plants are only moderately toxic, meaning they are not as dangerous as Vinca or Azalea (Rhododendron spp.). Not even in the same league as an amaryllis, a sago palm, some lilies (Lilium sp.), a snake plant, etc. They are hazardous or destructive nonetheless.
Last but not least, Monstera has a level 3 or 4 of severity. Level 1 plants are typically extremely hazardous and may result in serious illness or even death, but level 2 plants are just mildly poisonous and only cause vomiting and digestive problems.
Can a dog be killed by a Swiss cheese plant?
Though you would expect it, there isn’t a simple “yes” or “no” response to this query.
The ASPCA has designated the popular aroid houseplant genus Monstera as hazardous. It may be argued, though, that this isn’t actually the right term. Because calcium oxalate crystals are present in every part of this genus, it is considered toxic (more on what those are below).
When consumed, calcium oxalate crystals are extremely irritating, particularly to the lips and even the stomach. Whether it’s a Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, or one of the other varieties, your cat won’t likely have a good time if it eats your Monstera. (I haven’t tried!) Apparently, this stuff can be excruciatingly unpleasant.
The point is, even though your cat or dog may act irritated and in pain after biting into your Monstera, it should be alright otherwise. The only actual risk arises if an unusual swelling reaction takes place. The only unpleasant sensation is on the tongue and throat region; there is no toxin in its system that is progressively shutting down its body.
So, not toxic. But is it dangerous?
The actual question is, of course, whether Monstera is hazardous or just unpleasant, whether it is toxic or not. There is no particular reason to be alarmed if your pet does manage to get its paws on this houseplant, although I personally would try to keep it out of their reach.
Since it would be painful to take another bite after the first one, the actual threat posed by this plant is minimal.
In addition to the aforementioned, Monstera leaves aren’t particularly the dangly-stringy variety that cats prefer, so it’s unlikely that your feline companion will attempt to chomp on them in the first place. It will probably target your spider plant or string of hearts more frequently. On the other hand, dogs are always a gamble.
Advice: Although the term “toxic” for Monstera and other calcium oxalate-rich houseplants may be overused, keep in mind that not all species that are given this designation are harmful. Some, like lilies, are actually quite toxic. Check always before purchasing!
Sago Palm
The sago palm can be found indoors or outdoors and resembles a little palm tree thanks to its rigid fronds.
“According to Laura Stern, DVM, DABVT, director of client programs for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, sago palms are toxic to all pets and the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, liver failure, and possibly death.
While the bark and leaves will hurt your dog, “The most toxic material is found in the seeds or “nuts,” according to her.
Tulips
The spring-blooming flower tulips is one that many people enjoy having both indoors and outdoors in their homes. However, dog parents should avoid these vibrant flowers.
Your dog can have stomach trouble if he chews on the lance-shaped leaves. The newly planted bulbs, which contain the greatest poisons, are where the actual risk resides when your dog digs them up and consumes them.
According to Dr. Stern, those can lead to severe stomach distress, depression, and appetite loss.
Lily of the Valley
The popularity of lilies of the valley as garden plants can be attributed to a variety of factors, including their pleasant scent, lovely white bell-shaped flowers, and ability to grow in shade. However, the flowering plant’s beauty conceals the fact that dogs get poisoned by it.
Changes in heart rate and rhythm can result from even a minor exposure to any component of the plant, according to Dr. Stern. Additionally to making your dog vomit, eating a few leaves or bulbs can also result in low blood pressure, confusion, seizures, or a coma.
Oleander
Oleander is a popular plant for landscaping, particularly on the West Coast. The cluster of flowers on this bushy shrub, which may reach a height of 12 feet, come in colors of yellow, white, pink, and red.
Dogs should not consume any part of this plant, including the long, sharp leaves and flower petals.
“Dr. Stern notes that oleander also has cardiac glycosides, just like lily of the valley. “Heart rhythm and heart rate variations are also visible.
It can be lethal and come with additional symptoms like drooling, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Philodendrons
A very well-liked indoor plant, philodendrons feature long vines and leaves in the shape of hearts. However, these plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble and can hurt your dog’s mouth and lips.
Your pet may be pawing at his lips, drooling, or even retching if he has swallowed any leaves, according to Ann Hohenhaus, DVM, DACVIM, a veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Rhododendron (also known as Azaleas)
These gorgeous flowered plants are full of grayantoxin, which has different effects on dogs depending on how much they’ve consumed.
According to Dr. Stern, stomach distress is the azalea ingestion’s most typical symptom.
Dogs rarely consume large quantities of azaleas, but when they do, they may become very weak, tremble, have low blood pressure, an erratic heartbeat, and other symptoms, according to the expert.
Dieffenbachia (also known as Dumb cane)
Due to the calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves, your dog may experience mouth, tongue, and lip burning if they bite on these predominantly indoor plants’ lush green leaves with white spots or stripes (the same ones found in philodendrons).
According to Dr. Hohenhaus, your dog may also drool a lot, vomit, or even have trouble breathing.
Japanese Yews (also known as Buddhist pine or Southern yew)
Due to their resemblance to miniature evergreen trees or shrubs with needle-like leaves and tiny red berries, these plants make great hedges. They are widespread across the country.
They can result in heart and blood pressure fluctuations, which can be fatal, as well as vomiting, drowsiness, and an unsteady walk, according to Dr. Stern.
Your dog may also exhibit seizures and muscle tremors as early warning signals.
Cyclamen
Cyclamen is a common indoor plant, particularly in the winter, due to its long-lasting, vividly colored blossoms (imagine every shade of pink).
According to Dr. Hohenaus, if your dog consumes any part of the plant, they’re likely to drool, throw up, and have diarrhea. It can disrupt their heart rate and rhythms and even result in death if they dig up the plant and consume the roots (also known as tubers).
Autumn Crocus
These plants are often referred to as “naked ladies” because when they bloom in the fall, their exquisite flowers emerge from the ground without foliage. Long after the blossoms have faded, the springtime brings forth the leaves and bulbs.
Your dog can start to throw up and have diarrhea if they consume even a tiny piece of the blooms, leaves, or bulbs. Colchicine, one of the poisons found in the Autumn Crocus, can also have long-lasting effects including decreasing bone marrow and resulting in liver failure, according to Dr. Stern.
How can I prevent my dog from visiting Monstera?
Some individuals keep their pets out of a specific room in their house. Moving the Monstera plant into such a room, if you already have one, is an excellent technique to prevent your dog from devouring it. You won’t need to change your dog’s routine to prevent them from approaching the plant because they are already accustomed to being barred from that room.
Depending on where you live, you might even think of relocating your Monstera outside, however doing so might not be the best option if your dog has access to the same outdoor space.
Noise deterrents can help keep dogs away from the Monstera
Some dogs dislike loud noises because they frighten them and because they can damage their ears. Make use of their fear to deter them from visiting your plants. Every time they approach the Monstera plant, they need just fill a water bottle with tiny pebbles and give it a thorough shake.
Remember, too, that this noise might be highly obtrusive and upset other residents in the house. As a result, using noise deterrents might not be the ideal option in your case. Trying different alternatives can yield better results.
Use smell deterrents on the Monstera
Dogs can be deterred from the Monstera plant by using their keener sense of smell, which is superior to that of humans. For instance, dogs don’t appreciate the strong smell of vinegar and chili peppers. These scents can be sprayed on the Monstera plant to deter your dog.
Although the most of them are more focused on taste than scent, there are a variety of chemical deterrents available online. It might be preferable to use one of the other techniques to keep your dog away from the Monstera because you don’t want them to nibble on it even once.
Get pet safe plants instead
Consider getting rid of the poisonous Monstera plant entirely and replace it with canine-friendly plants if you can keep your dog away from it. Three well-liked houseplants that are safe for dogs include the prayer plant, hens and chicks, and spider plant.
Your dog wouldn’t have any severe adverse effects or potentially fatal issues even if they ate these non-toxic plants.
Reward their good behavior
Be sure to reinforce your dog’s excellent behavior while trying to keep them away from the Monstera plant.
When you instruct them to leave the plant and they listen, rewarding them with a treat will help reinforce the desired behavior. This can be an excellent strategy to keep dogs away from the Monstera plant since the majority of dogs are treat or food driven.
Play with your dog
Dogs may bother things they shouldn’t because they are bored, for example. Due to our hectic schedules, we occasionally forget to play with our pets. They might then misbehave and act out as a result.
Setting aside daily playtime for your dog will help keep them happy and healthy and keep them away from your plants. An additional choice is to employ a dog walker to assist exercise your dog while you’re at work. Expelling that excess energy will help to curtail undesirable conduct.
Be consistent and don’t give up
To effectively keep your dog away from the Monstera plant, consistency is essential. You are encouraging their negative behavior if you even allow them to smell or otherwise bother the plant once. Any training you conducted to keep them away from the plant will be corrupted, necessitating a new round of training.
Consider shifting the plant if you feel you can’t maintain the consistency and protect your dog from getting to it. The best way to make sure your dog doesn’t eat the Monstera plant is to do this, even if it may not be optimal for everyone.