Yes, pothos plants are toxic to dogs.
Epipremnum aureum is a plant species that’s also known as pothos. No longer belonging to the genus Pothos, it is classified under the genus Epipremnum but still falls under the family Araceae. Its other common names include Ceylon creeper, golden pothos, hunter’s robe, house plant, ivy arum, marble queen, money plant, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, satin pothos, silk pothos, and taro vine. Interestingly, it is also known as devil’s ivy or devil’s vine due to its ability to stay green while being grown in the dark.
A popular ornamental plant that grows in temperate regions, pothos plants are said to be toxic for dogs. This is because of the insoluble calcium oxalates found on its leaves, stems, and roots. Note that its uniquely patterned foliage has the highest levels of calcium oxalates. When eaten, these harmful crystals can cause injury to your pooch’s oral cavity.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats pothos plants: Expect gastrointestinal irritation to occur after your pup munches on or consumes parts of the pothos plant. Clinical signs include oral irritation (in the form of intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue, and lips), excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty in swallowing. In addition, your dog may also experience eye irritation, paw and/or foam at his mouth, and have difficulty breathing.
Contact your veterinarian immediately after he eats a pothos plant. His symptoms may range from mild to severe depending on how much he ingested. It’s important not to wait for his conditions to worsen. That way, you prevent crystals from developing in his urine. Bring a sample of the plant when you visit the vet.
In summary: Pothos plants have gained popularity because of their variegated leaves that range from white to light green. Though these beautiful houseplants are easy to care for, they’re not ideal for dog and cat owners because of their harmful compounds.
Instead of growing potentially harmful plants at home, why don’t you grow edible plants that dogs can safely eat?
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