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 Arrowhead Plant safe for dogs?
Syngonium podophyllum
Syngonium podophyllum is a popular tropical vining plant known for its arrow-shaped leaves that change form as the plant matures. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals which can cause irritation if ingested by pets.
African EvergreenArrow-Head VineNephthytisSyngoniumSyngonium podophyllum
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Habit
- Vining or climbing
- Care
- Low to moderate
Safety status
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.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Safer alternatives
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Source evidence
ASPCA Toxic Plant List
toxicology · 99% reliability
Arrow-head vine is toxic to both cats and dogs due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Questions about Arrowhead Plant
Is the arrowhead plant toxic to dogs?
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.
What are the symptoms if my dog chews on an arrowhead plant?
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.
What should I do if my dog ate an arrowhead plant?
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.
How long do arrowhead plant symptoms last in dogs?
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.
Same dog verdict
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