Fiddle-leaf Fig is slightly toxic for dogs
Ficus lyrata 
The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a stunning houseplant known for its large, glossy leaves that resemble the shape of a violin. It originates from the tropical regions of West Africa, where it thrives in warm and humid climates.
When grown indoors, it often becomes a striking plant, reaching heights of up to three meters. In its native environment, it can even grow into a tree. The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright locations without direct sunlight and cannot tolerate drafts. With its elegant appearance, it brings a piece of nature and a tropical flair into the home.
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig Toxic to Dogs?
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is mildly toxic, particularly to dogs but also to humans. All parts of the plant contain a milky sap that contains ficin and furanocoumarins. These substances can cause irritation if touched or ingested.
Fiddle-leaf Fig is also known as:
- Fiddle Fig
- Violin Leaf Fig
What should I do if my dog ate Fiddle-leaf Fig?
How toxic is Fiddle-leaf Fig?
| Toxicity: | (slightly toxic) |
| Toxic parts: | Alle Teile der Geigenfeige (Ficus lyrata) sind leicht giftig. |
| Toxic time: | - |
| Antidote: | Unknown |
If your dog shows symptoms of poisoning, it is always an emergency! Time is critical for your dog's life. You should immediately call your vet or the animal emergency services and make sure that a vet is on site and then go there immediately. For the treatment, it helps the vet a lot to know what your dog has ingested.
Occurrence Fiddle-leaf Fig
| Plant species: | Indoor plant |
| Occurrence: | Indoor |
| Areas: | Australia |
| Flowering time: | winter, spring, summer, autumn |
| Fruit ripening: | - |
Symptoms
The following symptoms may occur if a dog is poisoned by the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata):
- Allergic Skin Reactions: The milky sap can cause itching, redness, or mild inflammation on sensitive skin.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: After chewing or swallowing the plant, dogs may experience gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
In severe cases or with allergic reactions, the following symptoms may occur:
- Seizures
- Paralysis
- Difficulty breathing
- Death from respiratory failure
Treatment
In cases of acute poisoning, the veterinarian will try to remove the toxin from the dog's system and treat the specific symptoms of poisoning.
There are several methods to remove the Fiddle Leaf Fig toxin from the body, including:
- Activated Charcoal: Administering activated charcoal binds the toxin in the stomach. Important Note: This should be done as soon as possible, ideally within 2 hours of ingestion, to prevent the toxin from entering the bloodstream.
- Laxatives: Activated charcoal can be combined with a laxative to speed up the toxin’s elimination.
- Inducing Vomiting by Veterinarian: The veterinarian can induce vomiting using medication to expel the toxin from the body.
For severe poisoning symptoms, the veterinarian may administer intravenous fluids and anticonvulsant medications.
For more information on poisoning in dogs, check out our page on preventing, recognizing, and treating dog poisonings.
Further poisonous plants from A to Z
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