Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Sources
dog safety reference
Is Pothos safe for dogs?
Epipremnum aureum
Devil's Ivy is a popular trailing houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and ease of care. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
Epipremnum aureumGolden PothosMoney PlantPothosScindapsus aureus
- Light
- Bright indirect light to low light
- Habit
- Trailing vine
- Care
- Low
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing the leaves or stems releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that immediately stab the soft tissue of your dog's mouth, tongue, and throat — which is why the first sign you'll usually see is sudden pawing at the mouth, drooling, and head-shaking. Most dogs recover well with supportive care, but the burning is real and the airway swelling, while rare, is the part to watch for.
What to watch for
Most common: immediate pawing at the mouth, intense drooling and hypersalivation, vomiting, and visible swelling or redness of the lips and tongue. Less common but possible: refusal to eat or drink, lethargy, and (rarely) swelling of the upper airway that makes breathing noisy or difficult.
Time window
Pain and drooling typically begin within minutes of the bite. Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care. Rare upper-airway swelling can develop quickly and warrants immediate care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet — or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 — any time you see persistent drooling, repeated vomiting, visible swelling of the mouth or tongue, or refusal to eat or drink after a chew. Any difficulty breathing, noisy breathing, or collapse is an emergency: go directly to a 24-hour vet.
First aid at home
Take any chewed plant material away from your dog and wipe out the mouth with a damp cloth to remove leftover crystals. Pet Poison Helpline notes that offering a small amount of milk, yogurt, or another calcium-containing dairy product can help bind the oxalate raphides and ease the burning. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet or poison control specifically tells you to.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
Escalation note
Ingestion typically results in immediate discomfort due to calcium oxalate crystals. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed any part of this plant.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Pothos is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates.
NC State Extension Plant Toolbox
botanical · 94% reliability
Epipremnum aureum is a popular houseplant that is toxic to pets if ingested.
Questions about Pothos
Is pothos toxic to dogs?
Yes, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
What happens if a dog chews on pothos?
Within minutes of chewing pothos, dogs typically paw at their mouth, drool heavily, and may vomit due to the calcium oxalate crystals embedding in the oral tissues. Visible swelling or redness of the lips and tongue is also common. Most cases resolve within 12–24 hours with supportive care, though rare upper-airway swelling can develop quickly and requires immediate veterinary attention.
What should I do if my dog ate pothos?
Remove any remaining plant material and wipe out your dog's mouth with a damp cloth to clear leftover crystals. The Pet Poison Helpline notes that offering a small amount of milk, yogurt, or another calcium-containing dairy product can help bind the oxalate crystals and ease the burning sensation. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison control specifically instructs you to. Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if symptoms persist or worsen.
What part of pothos is poisonous to dogs?
All parts of the pothos plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — the same irritant is present throughout the leaves, stems, and sap. There is no safe part to chew; even a small bite delivers enough crystals to cause immediate oral pain and drooling.
Same dog verdict
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