Pet emergency
My dog ate spear-leaved arrowhead vine — what to do
Step by step
- Take spear-leaved arrowhead vine 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 spear-leaved arrowhead vine — FAQ
Is spear-leaved arrowhead vine poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists spear-leaved arrowhead vine (Syngonium hastifolium) as toxic to dogs. All Syngonium species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout their tissues. If chewed or ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, crystals cause immediate oral irritation, burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA lists arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum) as toxic to dogs and cats; S. hastifolium shares the same toxic principle as an Araceae aroid.
How serious is it if my dog ate spear-leaved arrowhead vine?
spear-leaved arrowhead vine 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. All Syngonium species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals throughout their tissues. If chewed or ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, crystals cause immediate oral irritation, burning, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. ASPCA lists arrowhead vines (Syngonium podophyllum) as toxic to dogs and cats; S. hastifolium shares the same toxic principle as an Araceae aroid. 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 spear-leaved arrowhead vine well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is spear-leaved arrowhead vine toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- spear-leaved arrowhead vine and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide