Toxic Monsteras and Dogs: Risks You Need To Know
If you…
just got a dog or have had one you might be wondering about the relationship between toxic Monsteras and dogs. Monsteras contain a toxic compound called calcium oxalate crystals that when ingested can cause a severe health reaction including swelling of the mouth, throat, and abdominal pains.
In this post, we’ll explore why are Monsteras toxic to dogs and other pets, and identify the signs of poisoning.
Toxic Monsteras and Dogs: Key Facts for Pet Owners
Calcium Oxalate Crystals
These insoluble calcium crystals are found in your Monstera. The stems, leaves, and roots all contain them and that’s what is toxic about them. If your dog eats or even chews parts of your tropical plant these calcium crystals will cause pain in their tissues. The fruit that monsteras produce is not toxic as long as it is ripe however most indoor monsteras do not produce this.
Signs of Monstera Poisoning in Dogs and What to Look For
If you are worried your dog has ingested some part of your Monstera there are some signs for you to look out for. Symptoms of Monstera poisoning in dogs:
- Swelling of the Throat and Mouth
- Vomiting
- Mouth Irritation
- Not hungry
- Having Difficulty Swallowing
- Discomfort or Pain
- Burning in the Mouth
- Drooling
If you notice any of these symptoms it’s best to contact your local vet for further help.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Monstera Plant
Here are some steps to help your dog if they have ingested your Monstera plant.
- Check if they have any symptoms and if they’re getting worse. Call a local vet clinic in your area.
- Do not give any meds unless approved by a vet.
- Gently rinse out your dog’s mouth to wash off any leftover residue of the Monstera plant in their mouth or on their face or paws.
- Try to get your dog to drink water to help flush out any toxins.
- Cold compress for any swelling can help if your dog can tolerate it.
Remember to stay calm in high-stress situations and call a local vet clinic or animal hospital when symptoms arise.
Toxic Monsteras and Dogs: Reasons Behind Toxicity
Monstera plants contain a form of calcium called calcium oxalate crystals. These are toxic when ingested and can cause severe symptoms especially pain in the stomach. If your dog chews, bites, or eats a part of this plant these sharp crystals can cause severe pain and puncture the soft tissues in the mouth and throat which can lead to swelling and other health problems.
Gastrointestinal distress can also occur. This is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and other health complications.
Toxic Monsteras and Dogs: Tips For A Safe Home
Keeping your Monstera plant out of reach from your dog can be a challenge.
How to prevent dogs from eating plants:
- Provide Alternative Chew Toys
- Use Natural Deterrents- mix vinegar or lemon with water and spray this around your plant
- Use Pet Barriers- baby gates work well to keep dogs out of certain areas
- Place your plants on a shelf to be off the ground so it’s not as easy to access
Alternatively, if these don’t work for you place your Monstera’s in a different room and close the door so your dog can’t get to them.
Safe Alternatives To Toxic Monsteras and Dogs
There are alternative options to keep your dog away from your Monstera. These are dog-friendly houseplants so you don’t have to stress about every plant in your home!
- African Violet
- Christmas Cactus
- Parlor Palm
- Bamboo Palm
- Boston Fern
- Spider Plant
- Areca Palm
- Calathea
- Ponytail Palm
- Prayer Plant
- Polka Dot Plant
One option is to bring some of these dog-friendly plant options into your home so your dog will have some plants to get to so it will leave your Monstera alone.
FAQs: Toxic Monsteras and Dogs
How do you keep pets away from Monstera?
Use a natural pet repellent like Red pepper and mustard. Mix a few tablespoons with water and spray this mixture around your plant to keep your pets away. Rosemary also works well as pets generally don’t like this scent.
Will dogs stay away from toxic plants?
This depends on your dog. Some dogs have no interest in plants while others love to play with them. Especially if you have a puppy you will need to train it to stay away from your indoor plants.
How long does it take for plant poisoning to show in dogs?
Symptoms usually start to show immediately because of their fast absorption in the body. However, sometimes they can take between 4-12 hours after ingestion to start showing depending on how much was eaten.
Can a dog recover from poisoning on its own?
It’s best to bring your dog to a vet and let them administer treatment. Alternatively, you can call an animal hospital.
Understanding the risks for your little furry friends that accompany Monstera plants is important to know. Understanding what signs come with plant poisoning and knowing what to do can help create a safe environment for both your dog and your plant.
If you think your dog has ingested any part of your Monstera plant call an animal hospital or a local vet as soon as possible to help prevent a serious reaction.
