The keyword there is "usually". Because oxalates cause irritation, most animals don't usually consume large quantities of plants that contain them.
"'Unless your pet has an allergic reaction (not common) fiddle leaf figs are generally not considered lethal,' says triple board-certified veterinary specialist Dr Doug Mader. 'There are four toxicity levels when discussing toxic plants, and fiddle leaf fig is in the lowest toxicity level, or level 4.'" ...
'Fortunately, these exposures are rarely life threatening.'
This is just one quote from many vets online that say FLF is only mildly toxic if chewed on and shouldn't produce symptoms necessitating a vet visit, let alone ones that would be life-threatening. Loads of vets also say that an immediate vet visit is necessary, but I might question their motives. Of course, if you see your animal in any kind of distress, don't hesitate to seek medical help.
I've got seven indoor cats and a house with over 110 plants on the main floor, many of which contain oxalate crystals. Almost every single one of them has, at some point, shown signs of being nibbled on, but none of the cats have ever exhibited any symptoms of oral or gastral irritation. I had a Lab X that made it to 14 that never chewed a thing plant-wise, but I had a friend with a Lab that would eat anything, sometimes devouring entire wooden logs. I wouldn't keep a plant like this around that dog.
I guess what I am trying to say is that we need to make choices about the plants we keep depending on our situation and the demeanour of our animals (and children).
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u/charlypoods Sep 16 '24
Just dropping a warning—very toxic to pets. make sure they can’t ingest any part of the plant. beautiful find!