Fig plants have the unique characteristic of rubbery, glossy leaves and grow in a variety of shapes and sizes. These plants are a common houseplant, as they are easy to maintain. Due to the nature of their leaves, this plant is also called a rubber plant or rubber tree, and the genus Fig has a variety of related plants and trees. In fact, the genus has approximately 850 species of various trees, vines, and plants.
The fig plants, or trees, originate in India, Malaysia, and Southeast Asia. Since their native environments are tropical climates, fig plants do very well in warm temperatures. On the contrary, even though the fig does well in warm areas, it does not survive in cold temperatures. Although the fig plants are popular household plants, they can be toxic to dogs. The leaves of the fig contain a sap that can be very irritating to dogs, either on the skin or when ingested. Fig poisoning in dogs can happen to dogs that eat any part of this well-known plant.
It is important to avoid having any fig plants within the home if you have dogs or other small animals. Many dogs, especially puppies, like to explore and chew on unfamiliar items. This can lead to a great deal of sickness and a hospital stay; however, it can be avoided by being proactive about the plants within your home.
Fig poisoning in dogs is a result of dogs ingesting the fig, or ficus, plant. The fig plant contains a toxic, sap-like substance known as ficin, which is toxic when consumed or when it comes into contact with the skin, eyes, or mouth of dogs.
