Frederic Melton
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is considered mildly toxic to dogs. If ingested, the plant can cause a range of symptoms, including oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. The plant contains unique cells known as idioblasts, which, when chewed, release calcium oxalate crystals, resulting in poisoning. If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act quickly, removing any plant remnants and providing water to rinse the oral area. While a small nibble is unlikely to cause major health problems, larger ingestions can lead to serious health issues, and in some cases, even death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Swiss Cheese Plant, Cutleaf Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Ceriman, Mexican Breadfruit |
| Scientific name | Monstera deliciosa |
| Family | Araceae |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to dogs |
| Toxic principles | Insoluble calcium oxalates, calcium oxalate crystals, raphides, proteolytic enzymes |
| Clinical signs | Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, changes in gum colour, collapse |
| Action in case of ingestion | Remove plant remnants from the dog's mouth, provide water to rinse the oral area, call the vet |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese plants contain calcium oxalate crystals
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are considered mildly toxic to dogs. This is due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the plant. These crystals are found in many popular houseplants and ornamentals, particularly those belonging to the Araceae family, which includes Swiss cheese plants.
Calcium oxalate crystals are sharp, needle-like structures that are released when the plant is chewed on. They can cause intense irritation and discomfort in the mouth, tongue, and throat, similar to the sensation of being pricked by needles. The crystals can also embed themselves in the stomach lining and intestine, leading to additional gastrointestinal upset.
The clinical signs of Swiss cheese plant poisoning in dogs include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In severe cases, vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even shock.
If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to seek veterinary assistance immediately. The veterinarian will be able to identify and assess the toxic agent causing the symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. As a first aid measure, you can rinse your dog's mouth with water to flush out any remaining crystals and provide sources of calcium such as yogurt, milk, or cheese to help relieve pain.
It is important to note that while Swiss cheese plants are considered mildly toxic, the level of toxicity can vary depending on the amount consumed and the species of the plant. Some species may have leaves with little to no toxins. However, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you have any concerns about your dog's health.
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Ingesting the plant can cause oral irritation and intense burning
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are considered mildly toxic to dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to oral irritation and intense burning sensations in the mouth, lips, and tongue if ingested. These crystals are released when dogs chew on the stems, flowers, or leaves of the plant, breaking off the tips of unique cells called idioblasts.
The intense burning sensation can be felt on the lips, throat, and tongue, and may last for up to two weeks. The calcium oxalate crystals infiltrate and implant themselves within the tissues of these areas, causing instant discomfort and irritation. The idioblasts may continue to eject raphides, forcing the crystals to embed in the stomach lining and possibly the intestine, resulting in additional digestive upset.
If you suspect your dog has ingested any part of a Swiss cheese plant, it is important to act quickly. Remove any plant remnants from your dog's mouth and provide water to help rinse the oral area. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give any medications unless directed by a veterinarian. Symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, or pawing at the mouth indicate that it is time to seek veterinary attention.
The veterinarian will provide a diagnosis and assess the toxic agent causing the symptoms. It is helpful to bring a plant sample or a picture of the plant to aid in identification. A full physical examination will be conducted, which may include checking the pulse, height, weight, breathing, reflexes, blood pressure, oxygen level, and respiratory rate. An endoscopy may also be performed for a closer examination of the throat, allowing for the removal of any remaining plant material.
It is important to note that even if your dog only ingests a small amount of the Swiss cheese plant, medical attention may still be necessary to prevent permanent complications. Recovery is possible even if your dog has ingested larger amounts of the plant, but medical intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome.
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Symptoms include vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling
Swiss cheese plants, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are considered mildly toxic to dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to oral irritation and other symptoms if ingested.
If your dog is exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling, it is crucial to act quickly. First, remove any plant remnants from your dog's mouth and provide water to help rinse the oral cavity. While it is not advisable to induce vomiting without veterinary guidance, it is important to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bring a sample of the plant with you, if available, to aid in diagnosis and treatment.
Vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and excessive drooling are indicative of the irritation and discomfort caused by the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the mouth, tongue, and throat. These crystals can also embed themselves in the stomach lining and intestines, resulting in digestive issues. The burning sensation in the oral cavity can be intense, and your dog may exhibit signs of discomfort, such as whining or yelping.
The severity of symptoms may vary depending on the amount ingested and the size of your dog. It is important to monitor your dog closely and seek veterinary assistance if symptoms persist or worsen. In some cases, severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, changes in gum colour, or collapse, may occur, necessitating an emergency trip to the veterinarian.
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The plant is also known as Monstera deliciosa
The Swiss cheese plant, also known as Monstera deliciosa, is a tropical plant often kept as a houseplant. It is native to the rainforests of Central America and is characterised by its quirky, natural leaf holes, which are thought to maximise sun fleck capture on the forest floor. The holes may not be present when the plant is younger or during certain seasons, and the size and shape of the plant fluctuate by season.
Monstera deliciosa is commonly grown outdoors as an ornamental plant in the tropics and subtropics. It requires a lot of space, rich and loose soil, and a steady minimum temperature of at least 13–15 °C (55–59 °F) to grow continuously. It is killed by frost and grows best in humid and warm environments, requiring dappled or partial light and temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. It is a fast-growing plant, growing about 1 to 2 feet per year, and takes about three years to reach maturity.
The fruit of the Monstera deliciosa is edible and safe for humans. It is up to 25 cm long and 3–5 cm in diameter, and it looks like a green ear of maize covered with hexagonal scales. As the fruit ripens, these scales fall off, releasing a strong and sweet scent. The flesh underneath is similar to pineapple in texture and can be cut away from the core and eaten. However, the unripe fruit contains needle-like crystalline structures that can cause irritation to the mouth.
The Swiss cheese plant is considered mildly toxic to dogs and cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can lead to oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any part of the plant, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
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If ingested, contact your veterinarian immediately
Swiss cheese plants, or Monstera deliciosa, are considered mildly toxic to dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, intense burning, and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If ingested, contact your veterinarian immediately and try to remove any plant remnants from your dog's mouth. Provide water to help rinse the oral area.
The veterinarian will provide a diagnosis and assess the toxic agent causing the symptoms. It is helpful to bring a plant sample or a picture of the plant to aid the veterinarian in identifying the plant and determining the necessary treatment. The veterinarian will likely perform a full physical exam, including checking the dog's pulse, height, weight, breathing, reflexes, blood pressure, oxygen level, and respiratory rate. They may also perform an endoscopy for a closer examination of the throat to remove any plant material.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give any medications unless directed by a veterinarian. Symptoms such as persistent drooling, vomiting, or pawing at the mouth indicate the need for immediate veterinary attention. If your dog exhibits severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing, changes in gum color, or collapse, an emergency vet visit is crucial.
The prognosis for dogs that have ingested Swiss cheese plants is generally positive, and recovery is possible even if larger amounts of the plant have been consumed. However, medical intervention can significantly impact the outcome, potentially making the difference between life and death. The veterinarian's treatment will aim to address the specific symptoms presented and provide supportive care to ensure the dog's comfort and recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Swiss cheese plants are mildly toxic to dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals which can cause oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
If your dog has eaten a Swiss cheese plant, remove any plant remnants from their mouth and provide water to rinse their mouth. Do not induce vomiting or give any medications unless instructed by a vet. If your dog is drooling, vomiting or pawing at their mouth, call your vet immediately. If they are experiencing severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, changes in gum colour or collapse, take them to the vet right away.
Symptoms of Swiss cheese plant poisoning in dogs include oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Your dog may also bark, whine or yelp as a sign that something is wrong. These symptoms may last for up to two weeks, and medical help will be required to ensure your dog's recovery.
