Toxic — keep away from pets
Yes — pothos (devil’s ivy) is toxic to dogs and cats. It contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense mouth burning, drooling and swelling when chewed.
Pothos and many popular trailing houseplants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. When a pet bites the leaves, these microscopic needle-like crystals embed in the mouth and throat, causing immediate pain, burning and swelling. It is genuinely unpleasant and occasionally the swelling can affect breathing, but it rarely causes the deadly organ damage that lilies or sago palm do. Because pothos is one of the most common houseplants in the world, it is a frequent culprit.
Both dogs and cats. Cats that like to bat and chew trailing vines are especially prone, and pothos is often hung where a cat can reach it.
Wipe out the mouth and offer water or a little milk to help flush the crystals, and watch for swelling. Most cases settle, but call your vet if there is significant swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or ongoing vomiting. When in doubt, ring a poison helpline. Hang pothos well out of reach or choose a pet-safe plant.
General information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten a toxic plant or shows symptoms, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline immediately. Full disclaimer.