Is Pothos (Devil's Ivy) Toxic to Dogs?
Toxic☠️ Toxic to dogs — avoid
Pothos is toxic to dogs — its crystals burn the mouth and throat on contact, causing intense drooling and pain, though it's rarely life-threatening.
One of the world's most common houseplants packs insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that pierce soft tissue like microscopic needles the moment a dog bites a leaf. The reaction is immediate and dramatic — yelping, head shaking, frantic drooling — which usually limits how much gets swallowed. Severe swelling of the tongue or airway is uncommon but possible and needs urgent care.
What makes it dangerous: Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
Symptoms to watch for
- Immediate oral pain, pawing at mouth
- Heavy drooling
- Swollen lips or tongue
- Vomiting
- Rare: difficulty breathing from swelling
What to do right now
- Rinse the mouth gently with water; offer milk or water to drink
- Watch the tongue/airway for swelling over the next hour
- Any breathing difficulty = emergency vet immediately
Sources: ASPCA Toxic Plants Database · Pet Poison Helpline. Educational reference — not veterinary advice.