Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Arrowhead Plant - what should I do?
Syngonium podophyllum
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to the plant's crystalline structure. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
First aid at home
Remove any plant material from the dog's mouth and wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth. Offer something cold and palatable that contains calcium — a small amount of milk, plain yogurt, or cottage cheese — which binds the oxalate crystals and reduces pain. Do not induce vomiting; the irritation has already happened, and vomiting only re-exposes the throat to crystals. Then call your vet for guidance.
What to watch for
The first signs are almost always oral: pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, foamy drooling, and a refusal to eat or drink. You may see swelling or redness of the lips, tongue, or gums. Some dogs vomit once or twice. Difficulty swallowing, repeated retching, or any swelling that affects breathing is the more severe end of the spectrum and is uncommon but real.
Time window
Oral pain and drooling typically begin within minutes of chewing. Most cases resolve within 24 hours with supportive care; the ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline both characterize calcium-oxalate plant exposures as generally short-lived with no lasting effects.
When to call the vet
Call your vet (or ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435) any time you see persistent drooling that doesn't subside within 30–60 minutes, visible swelling of the mouth or throat, repeated vomiting, refusal to drink water, or any change in breathing. If a small dog has chewed a large amount, call right away rather than waiting.
What this means for your dog
Dogs that chew arrowhead vine get an immediate, painful surprise: the leaves and stems are packed with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that pierce the soft tissues of the mouth on contact. Most cases stay limited to oral pain and drooling rather than progressing to anything systemic, but the dog will be visibly uncomfortable within minutes.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.