Is Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron) Toxic to Cats and Dogs? (Philodendron hederaceum)

Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron), Philodendron hederaceum: listed as toxic to cats and dogs (insoluble calcium oxalates). Signs, what to do, and how to confirm the species.

This page reports what veterinary poison-control references say about each plant. It is not a promise that a plant is harmless, and it is not treatment advice. If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

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At a glance

Scientific name: Philodendron hederaceum
Also called: Cordatum, Sweetheart Plant
Toxic to cats: Yes
Toxic to dogs: Yes
Toxic principle: Insoluble calcium oxalates
Signs reported: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing

Is Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron) toxic to cats and dogs?

ASPCA Animal Poison Control lists Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron) (Philodendron hederaceum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is Insoluble calcium oxalates. Signs reported: Oral irritation, pain and swelling of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting (not horses), difficulty swallowing.

Note on this entry

ASPCA maintains separate entries for different Philodendron varieties (Heartleaf, Split Leaf, Fiddle-Leaf, etc.). This entry uses Heartleaf Philodendron, the most common houseplant variety; the toxic principle and clinical signs are consistent across the other varieties.

What to do if your pet ate it

If a pet may have eaten a plant, contact a veterinarian, ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. Note what was eaten, how much and when, and bring a photo or a piece of the plant. Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies unless a professional tells you to.

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Confirm it is really this plant

Toxicity lists are by species, and many houseplants look alike. Photograph the whole plant, a leaf close-up and any flower in even light; the app reads the species first, then you can check it here. If the species is uncertain, act as if it were toxic.

FAQ

Is Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron) safe for cats?

No. It is listed as toxic to cats; reported signs include oral irritation.

Is Philodendron (Heartleaf Philodendron) safe for dogs?

No. It is listed as toxic to dogs.

My pet only chewed a leaf. Should I still call?

Yes. Amount, size of the animal and the part eaten all matter, and the hotlines are staffed to judge that. Calling early is cheaper than waiting for signs.

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