Pet emergency
My dog ate Pothos Happy Leaf — what to do
Step by step
- Take pothos happy leaf away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate pothos happy leaf — FAQ
Is pothos happy leaf poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pothos Happy Leaf (Epipremnum aureum 'Happy Leaf') as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Pothos / Golden Pothos / Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate pothos happy leaf?
Pothos Happy Leaf is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists Pothos / Golden Pothos / Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) as toxic to cats and dogs. The toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep away from pets. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep pothos happy leaf well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pothos happy leaf toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pothos Happy Leaf and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide