Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Epipremnum aureum
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals |
| Onset of symptoms | Within minutes of chewing |
| Indoor / outdoor | indoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Oral pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
Symptoms in cats
- Oral pain
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Pawing at mouth
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What to do
Offer water to help rinse remaining crystals from the mouth. Most cases resolve with supportive care at home; seek vet care if swelling of the mouth or throat develops or vomiting persists beyond a few hours.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Pothos is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
What makes this plant different
Pothos and Philodendron are frequently confused for one another and often sold under overlapping nursery tags, but both share the same oxalate-crystal mechanism and mild severity. Pothos roots so readily in water that a stray cutting in a windowsill glass is a commonly overlooked exposure source.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Epipremnum aureum
- Family
- Araceae
- Also known as
- Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos, Taro Vine
- Typically found
- indoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control