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.
If my dog eats a Swiss cheese plant, what happens?
The veterinarian will make a diagnosis, however it would be more useful if you brought a sample of the plant or a picture of the plant. The poisonous chemical producing the symptoms would be easy for the veterinarian to recognize and evaluate. Don’t assume your pet is healthy just because no signs are visible. To avoid any long-term issues, you should still visit a veterinarian. Give the vet as many data as you can, such as what the dog ate, when it happened, and how much of the plant was consumed. The veterinarian will do a thorough physical examination. This might encompass items like:
If my dog eats my plants, what happens?
Call your veterinarian or an animal poisoning hotline if your dog appears to be reacting poorly to consuming a plant.
A detailed list of plants that are safe and harmful for dogs to consume is difficult to come up with because there are so many different kinds of plants all around us every day. However, Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, a veterinarian and senior director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, gave us a list of five typical plants that are to blame and have more severe clinical symptoms.
Wismer notes that eating any plant might upset a pet’s stomach and result in vomiting and diarrhea. However, she claims that veterinarians notice more serious symptoms of plant poisoning:
- The sago palm (Cyccas revoluta) is a houseplant in cooler areas and a landscape plant in the southern United States. All animals, including cats, are poisonous to it, and symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, liver failure, and even death are possible. Sago palms are deadly throughout, but the seed or “nuts” have the highest concentration of toxins.
- Convallaria species are widespread plants used in landscaping. Any amount of contact with the lily of the valley plant can endanger dogs by altering their heart rhythm and pace.
- Another typical landscaping plant, particularly on the west coast, is the oleander (Nerium oleander). Similar to lily of the valley, oleander also has cardiac glycosides that speed up heartbeats and alter the rhythm of a dog’s heartbeat.
- Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a plant that grows wild, whose seeds can be used to produce jewelry, and sometimes is used in landscaping. Due to its high level of toxicity, castor bean can result in severe stomach pain, liver failure, and tremors.
- When consumed by dogs, marijuana (Cannabis sativa), which is grown for human recreational and therapeutic purposes, might result in depression, shaky gait, a low heart rate, and low body temperature. Seizures and other severe symptoms, such as high THC concentrations, can be ingested.
Other outdoor plants that can poison dogs that eat their leaves, berries, stems, and other parts include the following:
- Fall crocus
- Azalea
- Boxwood
- Chrysanthemum
- Cyclamen
- British ivy
- Foxglove
- Hemlock
- Mistletoe
- You don’t know which mushrooms are safe
- If consumed, night blooming jasmine is poisonous, especially the berries. But jasmine family plants are not poisonous.
Are the roots of Monstera toxic 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.
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.
Keep in mind, however, that this noise can be quite alarming and bother others who live in the home. 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.
How poisonous is Monstera deliciosa?
All components of the Monstera plant, including the leaves, fruits, stems, roots, and flowers, are poisonous or toxic due to the presence of insoluble oxalate crystals in all 45 species.
The only fruit that is suitable for human consumption is a fully ripened Monstera Deliciosa fruit.
Other than Monstera, the majority of indoor Araceae plants likewise contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Canines are Monstera Adansonii harmful, right?
Small animals like cats and dogs are harmful to the monstera adansonii plant. Crystals of calcium oxalate can be found in the majority of plant parts, including the stems, leaves, and roots. It is crucial to be on the lookout for symptoms even when it is not lethal so that the vet may be informed in a timely manner. Excessive drooling, vomiting, trouble swallowing, pawing at the mouth, a burning feeling, and overt oral irritation are common symptoms.
Can dogs eat the leaves of Monstera?
Some of your indoor plants are just not safe if you have pets or young children, which is a sad but inevitable realization in the road of becoming a plant parent. While many common genera of houseplants are stunning to look at, many of them are moderately or seriously hazardous. Still others, when handled excessively, can irritate the skin.
The good news is that with enough preparation, you can determine which dangerous houseplants to stay away from, evaluate the risk to your family and pets, and still enjoy a lively and stunningly green collection of indoor plants.
Here are 10 toxic houseplants that, while we love them, should be used with caution if your children or pets will have access to them. A word of clarity, though, is in need before we proceed: “toxic is a relative term, and the severity of a reaction will depend largely on the level of exposure (amount consumed), which plant species, and the specifics of your pet. Some poisonous houseplants cause short-lived, acute symptoms (such as vomiting). Some can have more serious, life-threatening effects if swallowed in excess, while others only irritate the skin. This list is by no means intended to be comprehensive, so we strongly advise conducting additional research (ASPCA has a great database for pet owners).
Poisonous Houseplants for Pet Owners and Parents to Avoid
- Starting with one of the biggest players, Philodendron (and Monstera) is a vast genus of tropical plants that is particularly well-liked for usage inside because of its great variety of growing habits, leaf shapes, and colors. Plants in this genus are poisonous to dogs and cats as well as somewhat toxic to humans. Oral irritation, soreness and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and trouble swallowing are all signs of exposure.
How long does it take a dog to exhibit poisoned symptoms?
The toxin will determine how long it takes for a dog to exhibit symptoms of poisoning. Some poisons result in immediate reactions, while others can produce symptoms hours or days later.
As an illustration, the initial signs of antifreeze poisoning can show up in as little as 30 minutes, whereas the signs of chocolate poisoning take between 6 and 12 hours to manifest. Despite the strength of anticoagulant rat poisons, dogs may not exhibit symptoms for 3–5 days after consumption.
How do you flush poison out of a dog’s system?
Unfortunately, owners can’t do much to treat pet poisoning at home. However, there are a few techniques that vets can employ to remove the toxin from a dog’s body. Veterinarians will take the following variables into account when developing a treatment plan for their patient:
- Which kind of poison was consumed?
- How much poison was consumed
- Size, breed, age, and medical history of the dog
- The dog’s level of hydration
- How long has it been since the dog ingested the poison?
The veterinarian will implement one or more of the following treatment methods after determining the type of toxin and the severity of the situation.
Fortunately, there are remedies for some of the more popular canine poisons, including ethylene glycol and anticoagulant rat poison (a toxic ingredient in some types of antifreeze).
A veterinarian may inject fomepizole, an intravenous antidote that prevents the breakdown of ethylene glycol and lowers the risk of organ damage, if it is determined that a dog has ingested a harmful amount of antifreeze. The bad news is that in addition to the antidote, the dog might also need hemodialysis as part of this expensive treatment. It’s also vital to note that this medication is less effective if taken more than 12 hours after consuming antifreeze.
A veterinarian will administer vitamin K1 to a dog if they think it may have swallowed an anticoagulant rodenticide since it will help the dog’s platelets function again. The majority of veterinarians will maintain vitamin K1 medication for several weeks because ACR rodenticides have a very long half-life.
The vets might be able to cause the dog to vomit in order to get the toxins out of its stomach if the dog is brought in quickly away. To be effective, vomiting must be induced between two and four hours after consumption, and even then, there is no assurance that the dog will be able to vomit up all the poisons.
Unfortunately, most poisoning cases are not discovered until the dog starts to exhibit symptoms. Inducing vomiting may also be ineffective by the time canines arrive at the veterinarian because symptoms may not appear for hours or even days.
In the same way, veterinarians won’t try to make a dog vomit up a caustic chemical (like bleach or drain cleaner) because doing so could further harm the dog’s esophagus.
Another first line of defense against canine poisoning is activated charcoal. Activated charcoal is administered orally by veterinarians, where it binds with the poison and stops hazardous metabolites from entering the bloodstream. Dogs can safely consume activated charcoal, which will generally pass through their systems.
Another method used by vets to remove hazardous material from a dog’s stomach is gastric lavage, often known as stomach pumping. When forced vomiting is inefficient or counterproductive because of the substance consumed, veterinarians frequently use this method.
In order to eliminate as much of the stomach contents as possible, the veterinarian will continuously drain the stomach and rinse it with water during a gastric lavage treatment. This surgery is carried out while sedated. Activated charcoal is typically administered by veterinarians before the treatment is finished.
Severe gastrointestinal symptoms are a common sign of poisoning. Some dogs will need a bland food while they’re recovering to avoid putting too much stress on their digestive systems.
body receives filtered blood. Sadly, this treatment is expensive and not readily accessible.
Can dogs survive being poisoned?
Yes! Dogs can undoubtedly survive poisoning, but the likelihood of survival is highly influenced by the type of toxin, the amount the dog consumed, and how quickly the dog receives medical attention.
In general, dogs who receive treatment immediately and don’t consume a lot of a hazardous chemical have a better chance of surviving. Dogs may require weeks or months to recover from different types of poisoning, and even then, some dogs may have irreversible organ damage.
What should I do if I think my dog has been poisoned?
When it comes to poisoning, time is of the utmost, therefore it is advisable to be on the safe side and act fast rather than waiting it out. If you see your dog taking in a known toxin, get medical advice. Consult a veterinarian right once if your dog is unresponsive or displaying poisoning signs.
If you think your dog may have ingested something harmful, take the following actions:
To find out if you need to bring your dog in, get in touch with your vet or an emergency clinic right away.
To avoid other animals from ingesting the toxin, put a tiny bit of it in a jar and take it to the vet with you. The rest should be carefully disposed of. Bring any ingredient lists or identification labels that are present.
If the vet advises at-home monitoring, be careful to keep a close eye on your pet and bring them in if they exhibit any worrying symptoms like collapse, difficulty walking, discolored gums, or excessive vomiting.
Unless specifically told to do so by a veterinary professional, never attempt to induce vomiting or give milk or activated charcoal to a pet because this could make the situation worse.