Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs

by

Contents

Pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a popular houseplant known for its ease of care and ability to thrive in a variety of environments💐.

While it may be a great addition to your home decor, it’s important to know whether it can pose a threat to your furry friend. Dogs🐶 are known for their curious nature, and they may be tempted to explore the pothos plant🪴.

If ingested, pothos can cause various health issues, which is why it’s important to know whether it’s toxic to dogs🐕.

Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs

Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs Let’s Find Out!

To answer this question, we need to understand what makes pothos toxic to dogs. Pothos contains a substance called calcium oxalate, which is found in the plant’s leaves and stems.

Calcium oxalate can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth, tongue, and throat if ingested. In severe cases, it can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even death.

Symptoms of Pothos Toxicity in Dogs

If your dog ingests pothos, you may notice the following symptoms:

  • Drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Loss of appetite
  • Difficulty breathing

If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary care immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to severe complications.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Pothos

If you suspect that your dog has ingested pothos, take the following steps:

  1. Remove any remaining plant material from your dog’s mouth.
  2. Rinse your dog’s mouth with water.
  3. Call your veterinarian and describe the symptoms.
  4. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions for treatment.

In some cases, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to remove the plant material from your dog’s system. They may also administer medications to manage the symptoms.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Pothos

Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs

The best way to keep your dog safe from pothos is to remove the plant from your home. If you still want to keep pothos in your home, make sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach.

You can also consider placing the plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf.

Alternatives to Pothos for Pet-Friendly Home Decor:

If you’re looking for pet-friendly plants to add to your home decor, consider the following:

  1. Spider plant
  2. African violet
  3. Bamboo palm
  4. Boston fern
  5. Areca palm

These plants are non-toxic to dogs and can add a pop of green to your home without putting your furry friend at risk.

FAQs

The golden pothos, like many other poisonous plants, contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which are minute crystals that, when swallowed or crushed, act like microscopic needles. Your dog may experience excruciating discomfort, swallowing issues, vomiting, drooling, and swelling if you do this.
Pets can be poisoned by pothos plants, yes. Pothos leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals that are insoluble, like many indoor houseplants. These crystals are produced when a pet nibbles on a leaf.

Leave a Comment