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Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs? Are Pothos Poisonous to Dogs?

Are pothos toxic to dogs? Are pothos poisonous to dogs? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the pothos plant and dogs, including what to do if your dog ate a pothos leaf already. We’ll then teach you the two commands that will ensure your dog behaves around pothos and other plants that might be toxic.

Next, we’ll go over more you should know about pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy), such as how to keep dogs away from pothos using barriers. Finally, we’ll instruct you on proper pothos plant care (varieties, yellowing leaves, water and soil requirements, indoor care, sunlight, growing outside, making bushier) and more to know when you have dogs. Keep reading!

Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs?

Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs?

Pothos are toxic to dogs. If ingested by dogs, pothos can cause several symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. While they may be a popular choice for indoor foliage, it’s important for dog owners to be aware of the health risks associated with this plant.

Are Pothos Poisonous to Dogs

Pothos are poisonous to dogs. The toxic component in pothos is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate a dog’s mouth and digestive system. Consequently, it is crucial to keep this plant out of reach if you have a canine companion.

Pothos Poisoning in Dogs Symptoms

Symptoms of pothos poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, and oral irritation. These symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the amount ingested. It’s essential to seek veterinary attention immediately to ensure proper treatment.

Train the “Leave It” Command

  1. Begin with a treat in your hand and show it to your dog, then close your fist and say “leave it.”
  2. Wait for your dog to stop sniffing your hand and pull away.
  3. As soon as your dog pulls away, say “yes” or “good” and give them a different treat from your other hand.

Training your dog to understand the “leave it” command can be invaluable in preventing them from ingesting toxic plants like pothos.

Train the “Drop It” Command

  1. Start by playing fetch or tug-of-war with a toy. Once your dog has the toy in their mouth, say “drop it.”
  2. Show a treat to your dog and wait for them to release the toy.
  3. Once they release the toy, give them the treat and praise them enthusiastically.

Teaching the “drop it” command will help you quickly remove harmful items like pothos leaves from your dog’s mouth, reducing the risk of poisoning.

Pothos are toxic to dogs and pose a significant health risk if ingested. These commands will help keep your dog safe around them, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (curiosity, anxiety, boredom, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present.

And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do that before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like your dog getting too close to pothos and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog eating pothos ever again!

Pothos Plant and Dogs

Pothos Plant and Dogs

The pothos plant and dogs are a bad combination (including Golden Pothos and Marble Queen varieties), as pothos are toxic to dogs and can lead to poisoning symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. It’s important to understand the risks associated with pothos and take preventative measures to keep your pet safe.

Are Golden Pothos Poisonous to Dogs?

Golden Pothos are poisonous to dogs. The toxic component is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause symptoms such as oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog ingests any part of a Golden Pothos plant, seek immediate veterinary attention.

Keep your dog safe around Golden Pothos and other toxic plants using the “Leave It” and “Drop It” commands, both of which you can learn now in the first section.

How Much Pothos Is Toxic to Dogs?

Even a small amount of pothos is toxic to dogs, causing symptoms like drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount ingested, but it’s best to contact your veterinarian for any level of exposure to ensure your dog’s safety.

Dog Ate Pothos Leaf, What Do I Do?

If your dog ate pothos leaf, it’s important to act quickly. Remove any remaining plant material from your dog’s mouth and seek immediate veterinary care. You may also want to keep a sample of the plant for identification purposes during the veterinary consultation.

Are Marble Queen Pothos Poisonous to Dogs?

Marble Queen Pothos are poisonous to dogs. They contain toxic insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which lead to symptoms like oral irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog ate Marble Queen Pothos, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.

To summarize, pothos plants, including the Golden and Marble Queen varieties, pose a risk to dogs if ingested. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation are common, and immediate veterinary care is crucial. Be careful to keep these plants away from your dogs to ensure their safety.

Is Devil’s Ivy Safe for Dogs?

Is Devil's Ivy Safe for Dogs?

Devil’s Ivy is not safe for dogs. Also known as pothos or Epipremnum aureum, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates that can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and oral irritation in dogs. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if your dog ingests any part of a Devil’s Ivy plant.

How to Keep Dogs Away From Pothos

Keeping your dog away from pothos involves implementing barriers and providing alternative safe plants. One effective strategy is to place the pothos plant in a high location where your dog can’t reach it. Additionally, you can use pet-safe deterrent sprays on and around the plant or install a physical barrier like a baby gate to restrict access.

Dog-Safe Alternatives to Pothos

If you are looking for dog-safe alternatives to pothos, consider plants like the Boston fern or Marigolds. Both are non-toxic to dogs and can serve as safe and aesthetically pleasing additions to your home.

Why Are Dogs Attracted to Pothos?

Dogs may be attracted to pothos plants due to their natural curiosity and tendency to chew on things. However, the exact reason varies from dog to dog, and it is essential for pet owners to take preventive measures to keep their pets away from these toxic plants.

One highly effective step is to teach your dog the “Leave It” command, which you can learn now in the first section.

To wrap up, Devil’s Ivy is toxic to dogs and poses significant risks if ingested. You should take measures such as installing barriers or using pet-safe sprays to keep your dogs away from the plant. Alternative plants like Boston ferns or Marigolds can serve as safer options.

It’s important to get this problem handled now, as it will also keep your dog safe around other plants. You then won’t have to worry about things likeĀ is Weigela poisonous to dogs, is spirea toxic to dogs, are rhododendrons toxic to dogs, or are azaleas toxic to dogs.

Pothos Plant Care

Are Pothos Poisonous to Dogs?

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant that can thrive in various conditions, from low light to well-lit spaces. However, pet owners should be aware that the pothos plant is toxic to dogs. Let’s explore how to care for a pothos plant while considering its toxicity to dogs.

Pothos Care

Pothos plants require minimal care, making them ideal for novice gardeners. They can thrive in a variety of light conditions, from low to moderate light, and prefer well-drained soil. Be sure to water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Always keep the plant out of reach because pothos are toxic to dogs.

Pothos Varieties

There are several varieties of pothos, such as Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Neon Pothos. Each variety has unique leaf patterns and colors but shares the same basic care requirements. Again, all varieties of pothos are poisonous to dogs.

Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing leaves can be a sign of either overwatering or insufficient light. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the problem persists, consider moving the plant to a better-lit area but keep it out of reach of dogs.

Pothos in Water

Pothos can be grown in water, making it versatile. To do this, cut a stem that has at least 4-6 leaves and place it in a water-filled jar. The roots will grow in a few weeks. If you opt for this method, ensure that the water container is placed where dogs cannot access it.

Pothos Soil

Well-draining soil is best for pothos. Use a potting mix that contains perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir for optimum growth. A well-draining soil ensures that the plant is not sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.

Indoor Pothos Plant Care

Indoor pothos plants should be kept in indirect light and watered when the soil is dry. During the growing season, you can feed them with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Just ensure the plant is positioned in a dog-proof location.

Pothos Sunlight

While pothos can tolerate low light, they prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it’s best to place them near a north or east-facing window, away from where a dog can reach.

Can Pothos Grow Outside?

Yes, pothos can grow outside in warm, frost-free climates. They can be a beautiful addition to outdoor spaces but must be kept in shaded areas. As always, make sure to place them where dogs cannot get to them.

How to Make Pothos Bushier

To encourage bushier growth, you can trim the long tendrils and place them back into the pot or in water to root. This will make the plant fuller and more vibrant while also giving you new plants to propagate.

In summary, pothos are easy-to-care-for plants suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, they require minimal maintenance but must always be kept out of reach, as pothos are toxic to dogs. Learn two commands to help keep your pup safe by going back to the first section now.

You’re probably relieved to have your questions about the pothos plant and dogs answered, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Good luck, and thanks for reading our article “Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs? Are Pothos Poisonous to Dogs?”

The Author

KB Williams

KB Williams

Hey there! I'm a dog behavior expert and lover of travel. Since 2016, I've been sharing my knowledge of dog training and behavior while exploring the Pacific Northwest with my two rescues.