Pothos plants are popular houseplants and can grow to an impressive size in a relatively short period; they are easy to care for and are very tolerant of low light conditions, making them perfect for small spaces and apartments.
Pothos is also highly versatile in the way they can be used in several different decorative settings. For example, you can hang a pothos plant from a ceiling fan or use it as a table centerpiece.
But, If you have pets at home and would like to grow pothos, then you might worry about whether this plant can grow near your domestic friends.
If you’re thinking of adding a pothos plant to your home but unsure if it’s safe to have around pets, you’re in the right place. This article will answer your questions about keeping pothos plants and pets together.
Table of Contents
Can Pothos Kill Dogs?
Pothos is considered a poisonous plant for dogs. In fact, dogs can experience fatal stomach upset if they overeat this plant. However, if a dog eats a small portion of a philodendron leaf, then there are bigger chances that he will not experience any problems.
Dogs can have fun playing with pothos, but they should not overeat. As a result, It is best to keep pothos plants out of your dogs’ reach or away from the plant.
The poisonous substance in pothos is calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause skin irritation, mouth sores, and throat swelling. Additionally, when ingested in large doses, this substance can cause kidney damage and other issues. Most animals will not eat enough pothos to make it harmful, but keeping dogs out of the garden is still a good idea.
The lady in the following video is doing a great job demonstrating which houseplants are dangerous for pets in general. Check the video if you want to learn more:
Wondering if Your Pothos Plant Is Safe for Your Reptile? Find out The Answer Here.
What Symptoms Would a Pothos Plant Cause in A Dog?
If a dog eats pothos, it will likely experience gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. The plant contains insoluble fiber, which can cause blockages in the intestines, as well as calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. In severe cases, ingestion of pothos can lead to kidney failure.
If your dog eats a small fraction of pothos leaves, he will have a lower chance of being poisoned. However, if a dog consumes a large quantity of the plant, it may experience vomiting and diarrhea.
If your dog eats pothos, you should call your veterinarian immediately.
Click Here to Learn About the Dos and Don’ts of Watering Manjula Pothos
Can Cats Eat Pothos?
Pothos is a poisonous plant to cats. The high concentration of Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves of this plant can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth and tongue. In severe cases, pothos can cause difficulty breathing and even death for cats.
Click here to read our full article On how to propagate a leafless pothos vine
What Happens if My Cat Eats a Pothos?
The ingestion of the pothos plant by a cat may result in vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, lips, and tongue. In severe cases, airway swelling may occur, leading to difficulty breathing.
The symptoms of Pothos syndrome may appear within a few hours of exposure and may last up to 14 days. In about half of all cases, symptoms appear after 2 to 4 hours and get worse within 5 to 14 days.
Wondering about misting your pothos? Click here to get the exact answer.
Which Plants Are Safe for Cats?
Pet Safe Plants Images
There is no definitive answer to this question, as no studies have been conducted. However, it is generally recommended that people do not keep plants that are near toxic cats.
Some of the most common plants that are safe for cats include:
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Mint
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Thyme.
Is Your Pothos Plant Safe for Your Turtle? Read our article to Find Out Now!
How Do I Keep My Cat Away from Pothos?
There are a few things that you can do to keep your cats away from pothos and other toxic plants. One is to place the plants in high places your cats can’t reach. You can also use a plant guard to deter your cats from getting too close.
If your cats are still trying to get to the plants, you can spray them with a citrus-based deterrent.
Finally, you can remove the temptation by replacing old plants with new, safe varieties.
Click Here to Read our full Case Study on how Pothos can Help Other Plants Root
Is Pothos Toxic to Birds?
Pothos are toxic to birds, especially if they overeat of it. This is because pothos contains insoluble fiber, which can cause blockages in a bird’s digestive system. It’s also possible for a bird to die from eating pothos.
If you found our content helpful, try to read our latest article on how to Identify root-bound pothos.
