Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & Preventive Measures

Last Updated on December 13, 2023

There are a lot of queries that I get related to pets eating Pothos plants. One of the most common queries is are Pothos toxic to dogs? So, I’ll answer this in detail based on the research I’ve done so far.

Is Pothos Poisonous for Dogs

Pothos plants can indeed be toxic to dogs due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, which are found in many houseplants. While the exact minimum threshold for toxicity is not yet determined by scientists, it’s important to be aware of potential risks.

If your dog ingests part of a Pothos plant, it may experience symptoms like vomiting, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, refusal to eat, and a depressed demeanour.

Although consuming a few Pothos leaves is unlikely to be fatal, the calcium oxalate crystals can still cause discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

The good news is that this discomfort is typically enough to discourage your dog from future plant feasting. However, it’s crucial to avoid applying substances like bacon grease to the plant, as this could attract your dog and pose an additional risk.

To ensure your dog’s safety, it’s advisable to place pothos plants out of paw’s reach. Being aware of the potential oral irritation and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by natural toxins in pothos will help you take preventive measures and keep your furry friend safe from plant-related hazards.

Also, Learn About, Are Pothos Toxic to Cats?

Symptoms of Pothos Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog was interacting with Pothos prior and now you see the following symptoms, then your doggy is more likely affected by the toxins in Pothos.

1. Oral Irritation and Pain: Chewing or ingesting Pothos can cause discomfort and irritation in the mouth.
2. Excessive Drooling: Dogs may exhibit increased salivation as a response to oral irritation.
3. Vomiting: Ingesting Pothos can lead to vomiting as the body tries to expel the toxic substance.
4. Difficulty Swallowing: Irritation caused by the plant may result in difficulty swallowing.
5. Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal upset may lead to diarrhea in affected dogs.
6. Lethargy: Pothos poisoning can cause lethargy or a lack of energy in affected dogs.
7. Loss of Appetite: Dogs may show a reduced interest in eating due to the discomfort caused by Pothos ingestion.
8. In Severe Cases: Swelling of the tongue and airway obstruction can occur, leading to respiratory distress.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Pothos?

Here are the quick actions you need to take:

• Contact Your Veterinarian or Animal Poison Control Center: Time is crucial. Inform your veterinarian about the situation or contact a local animal poison control center immediately. They can guide the next steps to take.
• Type and Amount of Pothos Ingested: Share details about the specific type of Pothos plant your dog ingested (if known) and the estimated amount.
• Time of Ingestion: Note the time when you suspect your dog consumed the Pothos. This information helps the veterinarian assess the urgency of the situation.
• Symptoms Your Dog is Exhibiting: Inform the veterinarian about any observed symptoms, such as vomiting, drooling, difficulty swallowing, lethargy, or other unusual behaviors.

Do Not Induce Vomiting Without Veterinary Instruction:

While inducing vomiting is a common response to ingested toxins, it’s crucial not to attempt this without specific instructions from a veterinarian. Some substances, including certain plant toxins, can cause more harm if brought back up.

Follow Veterinarian’s Instructions:

• Treatment and Monitoring: Once you’ve contacted the veterinarian, follow their instructions carefully. They may advise you to bring your dog in for examination or provide guidance on monitoring at home.
• Potential Treatments: Treatment may involve supportive care, such as administering fluids to prevent dehydration, medications to alleviate symptoms, or other interventions depending on the severity of the situation.
• Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your dog for any changes in symptoms or behaviour as directed by the veterinarian. Follow up with additional veterinary care if needed.

Prevention Tips

• Keep Pothos plants out of reach of your dog.
• Consider hanging the plant or placing it on high shelves.
• Use plant stands or decorative containers to deter access.
• Supervise your dog when they are indoors.
• Consider alternative non-toxic houseplants.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pothos poses a significant threat to dogs. The presence of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the plant can lead to severe oral irritation, digestive upset, and even airway obstruction. While rarely fatal, the discomfort and distress experienced by dogs after ingesting Pothos can be substantial.

As responsible pet owners, we must prioritize the safety and well-being of our furry companions. Recognizing the potential dangers of Pothos is the first step in protecting them.

By keeping Pothos plants out of reach, supervising our dogs indoors, and opting for non-toxic alternatives, we can create a safe environment for them to thrive.