Is pothos deadly to dogs?

No. Pothos is non-toxic to dogs. Large amounts may cause mild GI upset but not poisoning.

How much pothos would my dogs have to eat to be dangerous?

Very large amounts could cause stomach upset. Normal nibbling is not a concern.

My dogs just licked the leaf. Should I be worried?

A lick alone is rarely a problem with non-toxic plants. No action needed.

Are there other pothos varieties that are safer?

All aroid family plants (monstera, pothos, philodendron) contain calcium oxalate and are toxic to pets. There are no safer cultivars.

Is Pothos Toxic to Dogs? What Every Owner Should Know

September 16, 2026 · 4 min read · House Plant Atlas Editorial, The House Plant Atlas editorial team researches and writes every care guide using horticultural references (ASPCA, university extension programs, and grower guides), then reviews each one before publishing.

Good news: pothos won’t poison your dog.

The short answer

According to the ASPCA, pothos is non-toxic to dogs. That doesn’t mean a cat or dog should eat large quantities, but accidental nibbles are not a medical emergency.

What if my dogs eats it anyway?

Most dogs that nibble pothos have no reaction at all. A few may experience mild stomach upset (vomiting, soft stool) if they eat a lot. This typically resolves within 24 hours.

Call your vet if symptoms persist beyond a day or seem severe. “Non-toxic” doesn’t mean “edible in any quantity.”

What to do if your dogs ate pothos

Don’t panic. Pothos is non-toxic, so the risk is low.
Identify how much was eaten. A single leaf chewed and spat out is different from half the plant consumed.
Remove plant material from the mouth. Rinse with water if you can.
Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. $95 fee, available 24/7, run by toxicologists.
For dogs in the UK, call your vet or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.
Don’t induce vomiting unless instructed. Some plant compounds cause more damage coming back up.

Keeping pothos out of reach

Hanging baskets work for dogs.
Citrus peel mulch deters most dogs from approaching the soil.
Bitter-apple spray on the leaves is safe and unpleasant; usually one taste is enough.
Give your pet their own plant: cat grass or wheat grass redirects chewing behaviour.
If the plant is precious, dedicate a closed room.

Why pothos is considered safe

pothos does not contain the categories of compounds (calcium oxalate, cardiac glycosides, alkaloids) that cause serious systemic toxicity in cats and dogs. Eating large quantities can still cause mild stomach upset because no plant is fully digestible, but there is no specific toxin to worry about.

This is the same status the ASPCA gives to other commonly recommended pet-safe plants like Boston ferns, parlor palms, and Christmas cactuses. “Non-toxic” means tested or evaluated and found to lack toxic compounds; it does not mean “edible as food.”

When to call the vet vs. monitor at home

Go to the vet immediately if:

The pet is having difficulty breathing or swallowing
Swelling is visible around the mouth, throat, or face
Vomiting continues for more than 4 hours
The pet is unusually lethargic, unresponsive, or has bloody stool
You know a large amount was eaten

Monitor at home is usually fine if:

Only a small amount was eaten (a leaf bite, a small chew)
The pet seems alert and is drinking water
Any drooling or mouth pawing resolves within an hour
No vomiting after the initial reaction

When in doubt, call. Most vet phone lines will give a quick assessment for free and tell you whether to come in. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center charges $95 but specialises in plant toxicities specifically.

How the ASPCA toxic plant list works

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center maintains a database of about 1,000 plants categorised as toxic, non-toxic, or both. The categorisation is based on documented cases of poisoning in cats, dogs, and horses, reviewed by veterinary toxicologists.

A few important caveats when using the list:

“Non-toxic” means the plant lacks compounds known to cause systemic poisoning. It does not mean a pet can eat unlimited quantities without consequence.
Severity ratings are not part of the public listing. Some “toxic” plants cause mild discomfort; others can be fatal.
The list is species-specific. Common names overlap, so cross-check the latin name when looking up your plant.
The list focuses on cats and dogs. Birds, reptiles, and small mammals have different sensitivities not covered.

For severity context that is not on the public list, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 is the most reliable source. The $95 fee is high but you reach a toxicologist who knows what specific compounds in the plant do.

Other pets to consider

If you have a household with multiple species, pothos may rank differently for each:

Birds: Many houseplant toxins affect birds far more severely than mammals because of their efficient respiratory systems. Avoid all aroid family plants and any plant with calcium oxalate.
Rabbits and guinea pigs: Smaller body weight means smaller toxic doses. Even mildly toxic plants can cause serious illness. Default to confirmed safe species only.
Reptiles: Many keep iguanas or tortoises that browse on vegetation. Their tolerances vary by species; check with a reptile vet for specific listings.
Children: Toddlers often mouth household objects including plant leaves. Treat plant safety in homes with young children the same way you would for a cat, defaulting to non-toxic species in reachable spots.