Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs? (Devil’s Ivy & Your Pup)
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Pothos (aka devil’s ivy) is everyone’s first houseplant — cheap, unkillable, and gorgeous trailing off a shelf. But if you’ve got a dog with a chewing habit, there’s a catch: it’s toxic. Here’s exactly what pothos does to dogs, what to watch for, and what to grow instead.
Is pothos toxic to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists golden pothos (devil’s ivy) as toxic to dogs and cats. It’s considered mildly toxic — rarely life-threatening — but it can cause genuinely painful mouth and stomach irritation, so it’s one to keep away from chewers.
Why it’s toxic
Pothos leaves and stems are packed with insoluble calcium oxalate crystals — microscopic, needle-shaped, and sharp. When your dog bites into a leaf, the crystals are released and embed in the soft tissues of the mouth and throat, causing immediate burning and irritation. It’s a mechanical “ouch,” not a slow chemical poison, which is why symptoms hit fast. Same toxin as monstera, philodendron, and peace lily.
Symptoms in dogs
- Pawing at the mouth or face
- Excessive drooling
- Oral pain — reluctance to eat
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
Most dogs recover with supportive care once the plant is out of reach. Rarely, significant mouth or throat swelling can occur, which is an emergency.
What to do if your dog chews it
- Remove the plant and any chewed bits; wipe out the mouth if you can.
- Offer fresh water (a little cold, plain yogurt can soothe the burning too).
- Don’t induce vomiting unless a professional tells you to.
- Note how much was eaten and when, then call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Any breathing trouble or heavy swelling = go now.
Full playbook: how to tell if your dog was poisoned.
The pet-safe swap
You loved pothos for the easy, trailing vibe — so get that from a spider plant instead. It trails and dangles just like pothos, survives neglect, and is ASPCA non-toxic to dogs and cats.
The best one-for-one pothos swap: fast-growing, trailing, and ASPCA non-toxic to dogs and cats. Shelf it or hang it, no worry.
Check price on Amazon →FAQ
Will pothos kill my dog?
Very unlikely — it’s mildly toxic and rarely fatal. But it causes painful mouth and stomach irritation, so keep it out of reach and call your vet if symptoms are strong.
How much pothos is dangerous?
Even a small bite causes immediate mouth irritation because the crystals act on contact. Larger amounts mean more vomiting and swallowing trouble.
Is any pothos variety safe for dogs?
No — golden, marble queen, neon, and satin pothos all contain calcium oxalates and are toxic.
Is pothos or philodendron worse?
Similar — both share the same toxin. See our pothos vs philodendron comparison.
The bottom line
Pothos is toxic to dogs thanks to insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth and gut. It’s rarely deadly but genuinely painful — hang it far out of reach, or swap it for a spider plant and get the same trailing look worry-free.
More: houseplants poisonous to dogs and pet-safe trailing plants.
Sources
Written by Mo Ruman, a self-taught plant parent who cross-checks every plant against the ASPCA database. Not a vet — when in doubt, call yours. More about Kijani Paws · Ask me about a plant. As an Amazon Associate, Kijani Paws earns from qualifying purchases; this never affects our safety info.
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