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Houseplants are a great way to bring nature into your home. For instance, the monstera leaf plant is a pretty example! These plants are large and showy, making a great addition to almost any room in your home. But what happens if your dog eats the monstera leaf plant?
Has your dog eaten some monstera leaf plant? Are you worried the monstera leaf plant will make your dog sick? If so, you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats something like this.
We’ve gathered information about these plants and whether they can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is a Monstera Leaf Plant?
The monstera leaf plant is also referred to as the Swiss cheese plant, the cutleaf philodendron, or the split-leave philodendron. This is a type of flower plant that’s native to tropical areas in southern Mexico and south down to Panama. The plant has flowers that produce edible fruit. This is the only plant in the philodendron family that produces edible fruit!
While the plants are pretty and safe for humans, what about dogs? Can the monstera leaf plant make a dog sick?
The Monstera Leaf Plant & Dogs
Unfortunately, the monstera leaf plant and all of its parts are toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause pain and swelling of the mouth and throat in dogs who eat them.
It’s true that the fruit of the plant is edible; however, it must be carefully peeled in order to be safe to eat. Dogs that eat the fruit can become very sick, as the fruit also contains oxalate crystals.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Monstera Leaf Ingestion in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten any part of the monstera leaf plant:
- Oral irritation
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Burning sensation of the lips, tongue, and mouth
- Foaming from the mouth and nose
- Trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and mouth
- Swelling of the airways
- Wheezing
- Breathing difficulties
- Collapse
- Death
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Monstera Leaf Ingestion in Dogs
Treatment depends on the vet’s diagnosis and your fur baby’s condition. If the vet doesn’t see any swelling or damage to your dog’s throat or stomach, they may rinse away any plant residue and send you and your canine companion home.
On the other hand, if there is swelling or the vet finds plant particles in your dog’s system, they will treat your dog. The vet may try fluid therapy with an IV that washes plant residue and particles through your dog’s system. Because your fur baby may not feel like eating after this, the vet may also add nutrients to the fluids to ensure your dog has the energy and vitamins for the healing process.
In some cases, the vet may want to keep your dog for observation. They may want to keep your fur baby for a few hours or overnight, depending on his condition. If there is more swelling or other symptoms appear, the vet will also treat these.
The prognosis is best for dogs who receive prompt medical care after eating monstera leaf plant. If your dog seems to love eating this plant, it’s a good idea to keep it in a room where your dog can’t get it. You’ll both be happier for it!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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