Do you have a fiddle leaf fig in your home, and a curious pup who loves to explore? If so, it’s important to know what to do if your dog eats a fiddle leaf fig.
In this article, we’ll discuss what a fiddle leaf fig is, the potential dangers to dogs, and the signs of poisoning.
Plus, you’ll learn what to do if your dog does eat a fiddle leaf fig, how to contact your veterinarian or pet poison hotline, how to monitor your dog for signs of distress, and how to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets.
Keep reading to learn more!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
If your dog has eaten a fiddle leaf fig, it’s important to watch them closely for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, lethargy, or diarrhea.
It’s also important to contact your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested a fiddle leaf fig, as it can be toxic for them.
If possible, try to determine how much of the plant your dog ate.
Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting or feeding them activated charcoal to reduce the amount of toxins absorbed.
What is a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves.
Native to western Africa, this tropical plant is prized for its ability to thrive indoors and its lush, green foliage.
Fiddle leaf figs are relatively low-maintenance, but they do require occasional pruning and occasional watering.
When kept in the right environment, they can grow up to 6 feet tall and provide a beautiful addition to any room.
Unfortunately, they also contain toxins that can be dangerous to pets if ingested.
Potential Dangers of Fiddle Leaf Fig for Dogs
When it comes to dogs and fiddle leaf figs, one of the biggest concerns is the toxins that are found in the plant.
These toxins, known as oxalates, can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
Additionally, if ingested in large amounts, oxalates can also lead to more serious health conditions such as liver and kidney damage.
For this reason, it is important to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets and to take immediate action if you suspect that your dog has eaten any part of the plant.
It is also important to note that although fiddle leaf figs are not toxic to cats, they can still cause gastrointestinal upset and should be kept out of reach of cats as well.
While cats are less likely to be attracted to the fiddle leaf fig than dogs, it is still best to keep it out of reach to avoid any potential issues.
In short, it is important to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of both cats and dogs, and to take immediate action if you suspect that your pet has eaten any part of the plant.
Additionally, it is important to monitor your pet for signs of distress and seek medical attention if necessary.
Signs of Fiddle Leaf Fig Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has ingested a fiddle leaf fig, it is important to monitor your dog for signs of distress.
Common signs of fiddle leaf fig poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
In more severe cases, a dog may experience seizures, heart arrhythmias, and even death.
If your dog is displaying any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
It is also important to note that the signs of poisoning may vary from dog to dog, depending on the amount of fiddle leaf fig consumed, the size of the dog, and other factors.
Therefore, it is best to be aware of any unusual behaviors in your pet and contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Fiddle Leaf Fig
If your dog has eaten a fiddle leaf fig, it is important to take immediate action.
Fiddle leaf figs contain toxins that can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in dogs.
If your pet has ingested any part of a fiddle leaf fig, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline for advice.
It is important to monitor your pet for signs of distress, such as excessive drooling, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, and seek medical attention if necessary.
In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal to help flush out the toxins from your pets system.
However, it is important to note that not all dogs respond well to these treatments, so it is best to seek professional advice before attempting any home remedies.
Additionally, some pets may require hospitalization, depending on the severity of the case.
Aside from seeking medical attention, it is important to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets to avoid further incidents.
If you have a fiddle leaf fig in your home, make sure it is placed in an area that is inaccessible to your pet.
It is also a good idea to keep it away from other plants, as some of them may also contain toxins that can be harmful to your pets health.
Contacting Your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Hotline
If your beloved canine has eaten a fiddle leaf fig, it is important to take immediate action.
Eating a fiddle leaf fig can cause serious side effects in dogs, including stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you suspect that your pup has ingested a fiddle leaf fig, the first step should be to contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline.
When contacting your veterinarian, it is important to provide as much information as possible.
This includes the type of fiddle leaf fig, when the dog ate it, and any other details that could be relevant.
Your veterinarian will likely ask you questions about your pups symptoms, so be sure to be prepared with answers.
If you opt to call a pet poison hotline, you will likely be asked to provide similar information.
The hotline may be able to provide guidance on how to treat your pup, but it is always best to follow the advice of your veterinarian.
No matter which route you take, it is important to remember that time is of the essence.
The sooner you obtain medical help, the better the outcome.
Additionally, be sure to monitor your pup for signs of distress and seek medical attention if necessary.
Monitoring Your Dog for Signs of Distress
If your dog has eaten a fiddle leaf fig, it is important to monitor it closely for signs of distress.
You should start by looking for signs that your dog is not feeling well, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or lack of appetite.
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Additionally, if your dog is having difficulty breathing or has become unresponsive, seek emergency medical attention.
It is important to be aware of the amount of time that has passed since your dog ate the fiddle leaf fig, as certain symptoms may take a few hours to manifest.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any changes in your dogs behavior and alert your veterinarian if you notice any concerning signs.
It is also important to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets to avoid further incidents.
If you have other pets in the house, be sure to keep your house plants in a secure location where they cannot be easily accessed.
Additionally, be sure to keep any fiddle leaf fig leaves or stems away from pets, as they can still be toxic even when they have been removed from the plant.
Keeping Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Out of Reach of Pets
Keeping your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets is a must to avoid further incidents and potential health issues.
While it may be tempting to let your pet roam free in the home, its important to take the necessary precautions to keep them away from areas containing fiddle leaf figs.
One way to ensure your pet stays away from the fiddle leaf fig is to keep it in a location that is higher up and out of reach.
This can be done by placing the plant in a corner of the room, on a shelf, or on a table.
Its also a good idea to cover the pot with a plastic cover or material to make it difficult for your pet to access the plant.
Another way to keep your pet away from the fiddle leaf fig is to use a pet-proof barrier such as a baby gate.
This can be installed around the area in which the fiddle leaf fig is located, preventing your pet from getting close enough to reach the plant.
Additionally, you can use a repellent spray or scented oil on the plant in order to deter your pet from approaching the area.
Finally, be sure to keep an eye on your pet at all times when they are in the same room as the fiddle leaf fig.
If you notice that they are trying to access the plant, its important to remove them from the area and take the necessary steps to protect the plant from further incidents.
By taking the necessary precautions and keeping your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets, you can help ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what to do if your dog eats a fiddle leaf fig can mean the difference between a minor stomach upset or a full-blown medical emergency.
Be sure to keep your fiddle leaf fig out of reach of pets, and monitor your dog for any signs of distress.
If you suspect your dog has eaten a fiddle leaf fig, contact your veterinarian or a pet poison hotline immediately for advice.
With the right knowledge and vigilance, you can ensure your dog stays safe and healthy.