If you love the look of lush indoor greenery, you’ve probably got a pothos plant somewhere in your home. It’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and grows like a dream. But if you’re a dog parent, there’s one question you can’t ignore:
Is pothos safe for dogs?
The short answer is: No, pothos is not dog-safe. The plant, while popular and beginner-friendly for humans, contains compounds that can be harmful to our four-legged companions.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what makes pothos plant toxic to dogs, what symptoms to watch for, how to keep your pup safe, and what to do if they’ve already had a nibble.
What is Pothos?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as:
- Devil’s ivy
- Golden pothos
- Ivy arum
- Taro vine
…is one of the most common houseplants in the world. It has heart-shaped leaves that come in shades of green, yellow, and white depending on the variety—like the golden pothos, marble queen, and neon pothos.
It’s beautiful—but not dog friendly.
Why Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs?
The problem lies in tiny needle-like crystals called insoluble calcium oxalates, found throughout the pothos plant—especially in the leaves and stems.
When your dog chews or bites into the plant, these crystals embed into soft tissues like the gums, tongue, and throat. It’s a bit like chewing fiberglass—painful and irritating.
Are pothos toxic to dogs if they don’t eat them?
No, just being near a pothos plant won’t harm your dog. But chewing or ingesting any part of the plant will.
Symptoms of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms usually show up within minutes to hours after ingestion. Look for:
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling or foaming
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Oral pain and crying
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Lethargy (especially in smaller breeds)
I’ve personally had a scare with my cousin’s dog—a playful Pomeranian mix who bit off part of a pothos leaf during a visit. Within minutes, he started drooling excessively and pawing at his face. Thankfully, we got to a vet quickly, and he recovered after supportive care.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Pothos
Step-by-step:
- Stay calm but act quickly.
- Rinse your dog’s mouth with water (if they let you).
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:
- Observe for symptoms.
- Take a photo or bring part of the plant to the vet for identification.
If breathing is labored, get to the emergency vet immediately. Don’t try to induce vomiting unless your vet tells you to.
Diagnosis & Vet Care
If your dog gets vet attention after ingesting pothos, here’s what typically happens:
- Oral exam to assess inflammation or swelling
- Bloodwork to rule out organ stress
- Urinalysis if there’s concern about calcium oxalate crystals in the urine
- IV fluids, antihistamines, or oxygen therapy if needed
Thankfully, most dogs recover fully with quick, supportive care.
Are Some Dogs More at Risk?
Yes. Small breeds like Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and puppies under 6 months are at higher risk simply due to their size. A small amount of plant can have a bigger effect on their tiny systems.
Large dogs might chew and spit the plant without swallowing, but mouth irritation can still be intense.
Is Any Pothos Variety Safe for Dogs?
Unfortunately, no variety of pothos is safe for dogs. This includes:
- Golden pothos
- Marble queen pothos
- Jade pothos
- Neon pothos
- Cebu blue
- Manjula pothos
They all contain the same calcium oxalate crystals.
So if you’re searching for pothos dog friendly or pothos safe for dogs—sorry, the answer is still no.
Real-Life Questions from Other Dog Owners
“My dog chewed one pothos leaf but seems fine. Should I worry?”
If they chewed and spit it out, and are acting normal, you’re probably okay. But monitor for symptoms over the next 24–48 hours. Call your vet to be safe.
“Is pothos only toxic if eaten?”
Yes. Just having the plant in the room won’t hurt your dog. It must be ingested or chewed to cause harm.
“Can I keep pothos if I have dogs?”
Yes, but:
- Keep plants well out of reach—think high shelves, hanging baskets.
- Train your dog to ignore houseplants.
- Use barriers or deterrent sprays if needed.
- Consider pet-safe alternatives.
Pet-Safe Alternatives to Pothos
If you’re looking for greenery that won’t stress you out:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) – safe and stylish
- Areca Palm – a tropical vibe without the toxins
- Peperomia – many varieties, all dog-safe
- Prayer Plant – colorful and non-toxic
How to Dog-Proof Your Houseplants
Some tips I use in my home and recommend to clients:
- Use macrame or wall planters to elevate toxic plants
- Keep fallen leaves picked up
- Don’t underestimate a curious puppy
- Use positive reinforcement to teach “leave it”
- Add bitter apple spray to deter nibbling
- Rotate plants to sunlit but unreachable spots
Friendly tip: Dogs get bored. Give them safe chew toys, and they’re less likely to explore your greenery with their mouths.
Recap: Is Pothos Safe for Dogs?
| Question | Answer |
| Are pothos toxic to dogs? | Yes, all parts of the plant |
| What happens if my dog eats it? | Oral irritation, vomiting, drooling, possible swelling |
| Is it fatal? | Rarely, but severe reactions can occur—especially without treatment |
| What should I do? | Rinse, call your vet, monitor closely |
| Can I keep it anyway? | Yes, but only if your dog can’t reach it |
FAQ – People Also Ask
How poisonous is pothos?
Mild to moderately toxic. Not usually fatal, but causes serious mouth pain, vomiting, and drooling. Smaller dogs are more at risk.
Is pothos safe for dogs to be around?
Yes, as long as they don’t chew it. Simply being near the plant isn’t dangerous.
What should I do if my dog licked a pothos leaf?
Rinse their mouth, give clean water, and monitor for symptoms. Call your vet if they show discomfort or unusual behavior.
How long does pothos poisoning last?
Most symptoms improve within 12–48 hours with treatment. Severe cases may need a few days.
Can pothos cause long-term damage?
Only in rare cases involving large ingestion or delayed treatment. Prompt vet care leads to full recovery.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Ditch Your Plants—Just Be Smart
I love pothos. But I love my pets more.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between a green home and a safe one. Just be intentional. Place your pothos wisely, stay observant, and know what to do if things go wrong.
And if your pup is a known plant-nibbler? Maybe try a spider plant instead
Need more pet-friendly plant tips or had a pothos incident yourself? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear from you.