Is it toxic to dogs?
Fiddle-leaf fig
Ficus lyrata · Moraceae
Also called Fiddle-leaved fig, Fiddle leaf fig tree
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. The ASPCA lists Ficus (fig) plants as toxic to dogs, and Pet Poison Helpline names the fiddle-leaf fig among them. The irritating sap usually causes drooling, vomiting and skin or mouth irritation.
- Toxic parts
- Milky sap in the leaves and stems
- Toxic compounds
- Proteolytic enzyme (ficin) and psoralen (ficusin), per the ASPCA's Ficus listings
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
Signs of poisoning
- Decreased appetite
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mouth irritation
- Skin irritation
Why it’s harmful to dogs
The fiddle-leaf fig is the statement houseplant with large, violin-shaped, leathery leaves on a tall, tree-like stem, and it is a member of the fig genus, Ficus. The ASPCA does not have a page with this exact common name, but it lists fig plants such as the weeping fig as toxic to dogs, naming the enzyme ficin and the psoralen compound ficusin and describing digestive and skin irritation.
Pet Poison Helpline's Ficus page lists the fiddle-leaf fig among the plants it covers and describes an irritating sap that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract, with decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as skin irritation. The Merck Veterinary Manual adds that Ficus sap can cause contact dermatitis.
Be careful with a naming mix-up: the ASPCA entry called "Fiddle-Leaf" is actually a philodendron, which is also toxic to dogs but through a different mechanism, calcium oxalate crystals. Either way, keep both away from your dog.
If your dog ate fiddle-leaf fig
Take any leaf from your dog's mouth and keep your dog away from the plant. Watch for drooling, vomiting and poor appetite.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate a lot, keeps vomiting, or has swelling, a rash or ongoing mouth discomfort. Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home. Note the plant name and take a photo.
Keeping your dog safe
Put your fiddle-leaf fig in a room your dog can't enter, or on a plant stand that is too tall to chew. Pick up fallen leaves quickly, because they carry sap just like the plant does.
If you love the big-leaf look, try an areca palm or a parlor palm, both on the pet-friendly list. A "leave it" cue works indoors too.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Why does the ASPCA list a different 'fiddle-leaf' plant?
Its "Fiddle-Leaf" entry is Philodendron bipennifolium, not the fiddle-leaf fig. That philodendron is toxic to dogs as well, because of calcium oxalates.
Is the sap dangerous?
Pet Poison Helpline says Ficus sap irritates the mouth and stomach and can irritate the skin. Call your vet if skin irritation continues.
Is a fallen leaf still a problem?
Yes. Fallen leaves can carry the same sap, so pick them up promptly.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy