Is it toxic to dogs?
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum · Araceae
Also called Golden pothos, Devil's ivy, Taro vine, Ivy arum
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes. Pothos is toxic to dogs. Chewing it releases calcium oxalate crystals that cause painful mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting, although serious cases are rare.
- Toxic parts
- All parts, including leaves and stems
- Toxic compounds
- Insoluble calcium oxalates
- Where you’ll find it
- Houseplant
- When signs start
- Mouth pain begins immediately when the plant is chewed.
Signs of poisoning
- Mouth irritation and burning of the mouth, tongue and lips
- Heavy drooling
- Gagging
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Rarely, throat swelling and trouble breathing
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Pothos is one of the most common houseplants: a trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves, often streaked with gold or cream. It's usually in a hanging basket or draped from a shelf, with long tendrils that dangle at dog level.
The ASPCA lists pothos, also called devil's ivy, as toxic to dogs and names insoluble calcium oxalates as the toxic principle. Chewing a leaf releases microscopic crystals that irritate the mouth, causing burning, drooling and vomiting. Merck Veterinary Manual describes intense, immediate oral pain that fades slowly without treatment, and it gives crystal-containing plants like pothos a good to excellent outlook. Pet Poison Helpline notes that severe throat swelling is rare.
Despite the nickname devil's ivy, pothos is not related to English ivy. It does belong to the same plant family as philodendron and peace lily, which share its crystals.
If your dog ate pothos
Move the plant out of reach and note how much your dog chewed. A dog that has chewed pothos often paws at its mouth, drools and may vomit. Call your vet or a poison helpline for advice. In the US, you can reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet. Please don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Go to an emergency clinic right away if you see swelling around the face, lips or tongue, noisy or hard breathing, or your dog can't swallow. Bring a leaf or photo of the plant.
Keeping your dog safe
Hang pothos well above dog height, or put it in a room your dog doesn't enter, and trim vines so none dangle within reach. Pick up fallen leaves right away.
Teach a reliable "leave it", and keep chew toys around so the vine isn't the most interesting thing in the room. For a trailing plant that is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, spider plant and Boston fern are easy substitutes.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is pothos poisonous to dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists golden pothos as toxic to dogs, with mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.
Is devil's ivy the same as pothos?
Yes. Devil's ivy is another name for pothos, and the ASPCA lists both as toxic to dogs.
Is pothos deadly to dogs?
Serious cases are rare. Merck Veterinary Manual gives pothos a good to excellent outlook, but Pet Poison Helpline notes that severe throat swelling can occasionally happen, so call your vet if your dog chewed it.
Which part of the pothos is toxic?
All of it. Merck Veterinary Manual says the entire plant is poisonous, so treat leaves, stems and roots alike as toxic.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy