Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, pothos is mildly toxic to dogs

Pothos is one of the most common houseplants and contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. The pain is immediate, so pets rarely eat much, and signs usually ease within hours.

Pothos and dogs: key facts

Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Epipremnum aureum
Also called	devil's ivy, golden pothos, marble queen
Toxic compound	Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Toxic parts	Leaves and stems
Signs usually start	Immediate (within minutes of chewing)
Plant type	Houseplant

Symptoms of pothos poisoning in dogs

Pawing at the mouth
Drooling
Vomiting
Mouth and tongue swelling
Difficulty swallowing

Why pothos is toxic to dogs

The plant cells contain bundles of needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals (raphides). When a pet bites into the leaf, the crystals are ejected and embed in the mouth, tongue and throat, causing immediate burning pain, drooling and swelling. The crystals are not absorbed into the body, so organ damage is not expected.

What to do if your dog ate pothos

Remove plant pieces from your dog's mouth and move dogs away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm.
Watch for pawing at the mouth, drooling, vomiting. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Most cases need only supportive care. Gently rinse your pet's mouth with water and offer water to drink. A vet may give pain relief, anti-nausea medicine or an antihistamine for swelling. Go to a vet right away if you see swelling of the throat or any trouble breathing.

How to keep your dog away from pothos

Place pothos on high shelves or in hanging planters out of reach of paws and tails, or in a room your dog cannot enter.
Give your dog something better to chew: chew toys and puzzle feeders reduce boredom chewing.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.

Pet-safe alternatives to pothos

If you love houseplants, these are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for dogs.

Pothos and dogs: FAQ

Is pothos poisonous to dogs?

Pothos is mildly toxic to dogs. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause pawing at the mouth and drooling, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of pothos is toxic to dogs?

Leaves and stems.

Can dogs die from eating pothos?

It is very unlikely. Pothos usually causes mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating pothos will my dog show symptoms?

Immediate (within minutes of chewing).

Is pothos toxic to cats too?

Yes, pothos is mildly toxic to cats.

My cat ate pothos but seems fine. Should I worry?

Usually not. If there is no drooling, vomiting or swelling after a few hours, it is unlikely to be serious. Call your vet if your cat has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Other plants toxic to dogs

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your dog's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs?