Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs?

Reviewed By Joana Garrido DVM

Pothos plants are toxic to dogs. These popular houseplants contain compounds that can cause digestive issues and other harmful side effects in dogs.

To keep your furry friend safe and healthy, it is best to avoid growing pothos plants in your home or keeping them within your dog’s reach.

What is Pothos Poisoning?

Pothos poisoning is a result of ingesting the foliage plant pothos, which belongs to the Araceae family. It is scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum and has several nicknames including:

• Devil’s Ivy
• Golden Pothos
• Hunter’s Robe
• Ivy Arum
• Money Plant
• Taro Vine

The primary element causing the pothos plant’s toxicity to dogs are its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. They come in the form of crystals with a needlelike structure. When chewed and ingested, they pierce the tissue and cause irritation.

Which Part of the Pothos Plant Is Toxic to Dogs?

Not one part of the pothos plant is free from insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. These toxins can be found in its:

• Leaves
• Flowers
• Frits
• Roots
• Seeds
• Stems

While the whole foliage plant contains these harmful compounds, its leaves have the most concentrations.

Causes of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

The causes of pothos poisoning in dogs can be due to a variety of reasons. First off, dogs are curious animals, and they explore their world using their mouths.

Their inquisitiveness may tempt them to chew on unfamiliar things including dangerous popular houseplants like pothos.

Or pooches might unknowingly come into contact with pothos leaves. The calcium oxalate crystals will stick to his coat and cause skin irritation.

If he accidentally licks them off from his fur while grooming, his mouth, and throat might become inflamed.

How Poisonous Are Pothos to Dogs?

The pothos plant rarely causes life-threatening side effects in dogs. Its insoluble calcium oxalates usually provoke mild gastric distress if consumed in small amounts.

Oral irritation will likely take place after ingestion, while skin exposure to the plant may lead to contact dermatitis.

Severe adverse reactions can happen in canines after ingesting copious quantities of calcium oxalates. These crystals get absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to major organs such as the heart and liver, causing them to swell.

Prolonged diarrhea and vomiting in dogs due to pothos poisoning increase the danger of extreme dehydration.

The same may happen to the throat and airway of dogs. In this case, breathing difficulties will arise, and if not given immediate medical attention, asphyxiation is the deadly outcome.

Symptoms of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

You might be wondering: “What happens if my dog eats a pothos plant?” If your dog ate a pothos plant, anticipate the occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms, excessive drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Other clinical signs of pothos poisoning that may arise are:

• Foaming at the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing food and water
• Incessant pawing at the throat or mouth
• Increased vocalization (e.g., barking, whining, or yelping)
• Swollen lips, mouth, throat, and tongue
• Abnormal heart rate
• Burning sensation on the affected area

The majority of these side effects manifest within 24 hours after ingestion.

Although severe pothos toxicity is uncommon in dogs, do not ignore this dangerous possibility. Contact the vet immediately and inform them of the incident.

What to Do If My Dog Eats Pothos?

The first thing to do if your dog ate pothos is to wipe his entire body down to get rid of any calcium oxalate crystals on his fur. For the same reason, rinse his mouth with water.

Then collect relevant information about your canine companion’s condition such as:

• Part of the plant consumed
• Amount of plant material eaten
• Estimated time of ingestion or exposure to the plant
• Any clinical symptoms beginning to arise

If possible, also take samples of the plant and your dog’s stool. Doing so will significantly help the vet in making the right diagnosis and treatment for your furry pal.

Diagnosis of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

Once your dog is taken to the vet, his medical history will be checked. He may require a physical examination to check inflamed and irritated areas of his body.

Laboratory tests will be carried out to know the severity of his poisoning such as complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry.

To monitor your dog’s breathing and heart rates, the vet will use an ECG and a ventilator if necessary, as well as perform cardiopulmonary auscultation and monitor the vital signs.

Treatment of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

A dog ingesting excessive amounts of pothos leaves or stems is generally treated through induced vomiting.

This encourages him to throw up undigested plant materials to prevent them from becoming broken down and metabolized in the bloodstream.

To avert escalation of toxicity levels, he will be given activated charcoal. This compound binds with the toxins, which prevents them from getting absorbed into the body.

Dogs with breathing issues will be provided with flow-by oxygen or will be put in an oxygen cage. Severe swelling of the airways calls for oxygen administration via intubation.

Administration of medications, such as antihistamines and steroid anti-inflammatories, is necessary in case of facial or mouth swelling. Providing dogs with an IV drip can alleviate dehydration and prevent their kidneys from overworking.

Prognosis of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

Most cases of pothos poisoning in dogs are not fatal. Complications will not manifest if all the symptoms are managed and eventually stopped.

Canines experiencing this type of toxicity can fully recover and live long lives afterward.

Can I have pothos plants in my home?

While it is technically possible, it is not necessarily recommended. Pothos plants are only considered mildly toxic, but why take the chance? It is always better to err on the side of caution and opt for plants that are known to be safe for dogs, such as:

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)
• Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
• Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

If you are adamant about switching to dog-safe alternatives, keep your pothos plant in an inaccessible area for your dog. For example, transfer it to a securely locked room or hang it in an elevated place.

Keep the pothos plant healthy to prevent it from shedding too many leaves. Always remove fallen plant material immediately to keep your furry pal from ingesting them.

Make use of doggy deterrents to discourage him from eating or coming into contact with the plant. Spraying diluted apple cider vinegar on the pothos will do the trick.

FAQs on Pothos’ Toxicity Risk to Dogs

Are marble pothos toxic to dogs?

Yes, marble pothos are toxic to dogs. The attractive white and green heart-shaped leaves of this variety might tempt you to own one, but it is best to look for dog-friendly options.

Are any pothos dog-friendly?

Nope, all types of pothos are not dog-friendly. So avoid keeping any variety of this plant in your home if you have a dog.

Are pothos toxic to all pets?

Yes, pothos is toxic to cats and dogs as well as other pets. These include birds, hamsters, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, and gerbils.

The plant can also cause poisoning in livestock, like cattle and sheep.

Can I have pothos plants in my home?

While it is technically possible, it is not necessarily recommended. Pothos plants are only considered mildly toxic, but why take the chance? It is always better to err on the side of caution and opt for plants that are known to be safe for dogs, such as:

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis)
• Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
• Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

If you are adamant about switching to dog-safe alternatives, keep your pothos plant in an inaccessible area for your dog. For example, transfer it to a securely locked room or hang it in an elevated place.

Keep the pothos plant healthy to prevent it from shedding too many leaves. Always remove fallen plant material immediately to keep your furry pal from ingesting them.

Make use of doggy deterrents to discourage him from eating or coming into contact with the plant. Spraying diluted apple cider vinegar on the pothos will do the trick.

Other Plants Toxic to Dogs

Pothos is not the only plant poisonous to dogs. There is a broad range of plant species that can do different degrees of harm to your canine companion such as:

• Aloe Veras (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

  The gel of aloe vera has medicinal properties, but the plant’s outer leaves and latex are gastrointestinal irritants.

• Asparagus Ferns (Asparagus setaceus)

  Repeated skin exposure to asparagus fern leaves can cause the development of allergic dermatitis. Ingesting the berries leads to stomach upset.

• Dumb Canes (Dieffenbachia)

  Similar to pothos, dumb cane induces mild toxicity in the form of stomach, skin, or oral irritation due to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.

• Elephant Ears (Caladium)

  Elephant ear produces the same harmful compounds as pothos and triggers similar adverse reactions.

• English Ivies (Hedera helix)

  Ingesting or exposure to English Ivy causes nearly identical side effects in dogs as pothos.

• Jades (Crassula ovata)

  Jade has unidentified naturally occurring toxins that bring about vomiting, depression, and mobility issues.

• Lilies of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)

  What is the most toxic plant to dogs? One of the most poisonous plants to dogs is the lily of the valley. It contains a group of highly toxic compounds called cardenolides.

  Severe and potentially deadly adverse reactions like coma and seizures may occur if the toxicity is not treated promptly.

• Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta)

  Sago palms are plants toxic to dogs to a high degree. They produce cycasin, which can cause intestinal hemorrhage as well as liver damage and failure.

• Sowbread (Cyclamen)

  Sowbread carries saponins that have the same effect as calcium oxalates in pothos. Serious poisoning may result in tremors and seizures.

• ZZ Plants (Zamioculcas)

  ZZ plants are considered toxic to dogs due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals.

Summary

As a dog parent with a green thumb, it is essential to know which plants could be harmful to your dog.

Unfortunately, pothos plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making them mildly toxic to dogs. While small ingestions may not cause severe poisoning, it is best to avoid these plants and opt for safer alternatives.

For a comprehensive guide on which plants to avoid, check out our Plants section.