Arrowhead Plant

Yes, arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is toxic to cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate mechanical irritation to the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

The most common signs are immediate: pawing at the mouth, drooling, head shaking, lip and tongue swelling, and reluctance to eat. Vomiting is also common. Less frequently, cats may show choking sounds, persistent gagging, or visible airway swelling, which require emergency care. Symptoms almost always appear within two hours of ingestion.

Rinse your cat's mouth with cool water to flush out the calcium oxalate crystals, then offer a small amount of milk or yogurt — calcium helps bind and clear the crystals from oral tissue. Wipe any plant residue from fur and paws so it isn't re-ingested. If symptoms persist or worsen, call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

All parts of the arrowhead plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals (raphides), which are needle-like structures that physically pierce and irritate soft oral tissue on contact. There is no safe part of the plant for cats to chew or ingest.

Yes, the arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is toxic to dogs. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and pawing at the mouth upon ingestion.

The first signs appear within minutes and are almost always oral: pawing at the mouth, head-shaking, foamy drooling, and refusal to eat or drink. You may also see redness or swelling of the lips, tongue, or gums, and some dogs vomit once or twice. Difficulty swallowing or swelling that affects breathing is uncommon but represents the more severe end of the spectrum.

Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth. Offer something cold containing calcium — a small amount of milk, plain yogurt, or cottage cheese — which binds the oxalate crystals and reduces pain. Do not induce vomiting, as this only re-exposes the throat to the crystals. Then call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 for further guidance.

Oral pain and drooling typically begin within minutes of chewing and most cases resolve within 24 hours with supportive care. The ASPCA characterizes calcium-oxalate plant exposures as generally short-lived with no lasting effects. However, call your vet right away if drooling persists beyond 30–60 minutes, swelling affects breathing, or a small dog has chewed a large amount.