Is Golden Pothos Pet Safe?Every Pet Owner Should Know
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant admired for its lush, heart-shaped leaves and low-maintenance care. However, for pet owners, an important question arises: Is Golden Pothos safe for pets? Unfortunately, despite its aesthetic appeal, this plant poses a potential risk to pets, especially cats and dogs.
In this article, we’ll examine the risks associated with Golden Pothos for pets, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to keep your pets safe if you choose to keep this plant in your home.
What's On the Page
Is Golden Pothos Toxic to Pets?
Yes, Golden Pothos is toxic to pets, including both cats and dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are present in all parts of the plant — stems, leaves, and roots. When a pet chews on or ingests any part of the plant, these sharp crystals can cause irritation and inflammation in the mouth, throat, and digestive system.
Though Golden Pothos is not usually life-threatening, the discomfort it causes can be significant, and in some cases, medical intervention may be required.
Symptoms of Golden Pothos Toxicity in Pets
If your pet chews on a Golden Pothos plant, you may notice a range of symptoms that indicate discomfort or distress. These can vary depending on the amount ingested, but common symptoms include:
- Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth.
- Pawing at the face or mouth, indicating irritation.
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Vomiting or signs of nausea.
- Decreased appetite or refusal to eat.
- Lethargy or overall weakness.
- In more severe cases, difficulty breathing may occur due to swelling in the throat.
These symptoms typically appear shortly after exposure to the plant. If your pet displays any of these signs and you suspect they’ve ingested part of a Golden Pothos, it’s essential to act quickly.
What to Do if Your Pet Eats Golden Pothos
If you believe your pet has ingested Golden Pothos, follow these steps:
- Remove the plant immediately from your pet’s reach to prevent further ingestion.
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water to help remove any plant material and soothe irritation.
- Call your veterinarian for advice. Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s always best to consult a professional, as they can provide guidance specific to your pet’s situation.
- In cases of more severe reactions, such as significant swelling, difficulty breathing, or persistent vomiting, seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible.
Your veterinarian may recommend bringing your pet in for treatment, which could include medications to manage symptoms, intravenous fluids for hydration, or other supportive care.
How to Keep Pets Safe Around Golden Pothos
If you’re a pet owner and love the look of Golden Pothos, there are several precautions you can take to minimize the risk of your pets being harmed by the plant:
1. Place the Plant Out of Reach
The easiest way to keep pets safe is by ensuring your Golden Pothos is kept in an area they cannot access. Consider hanging the plant from a ceiling or placing it on a high shelf, well beyond your pet’s reach. However, keep in mind that some pets, especially cats, are excellent climbers and may still manage to reach it.
2. Train Your Pets to Avoid the Plant
For those who have the patience, you can train your pets to avoid certain plants using deterrent sprays or simple behavioral training. Spraying the leaves of your plant with a pet-safe bitter spray can discourage your pet from chewing on it.
3. Opt for Pet-Safe Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the safety of your pets but still want to enjoy houseplants, consider choosing pet-safe plants that are non-toxic to cats and dogs. Some great alternatives include:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)
- Peperomia species
These plants are not only safe but also provide similar aesthetic value without posing any risks to your pets.
Pet-Safe Plant Care Tips
If you do choose to keep potentially harmful plants like Golden Pothos in your home, there are some general plant care tips that can help reduce the likelihood of your pets coming into contact with them:
- Regularly prune the plant to keep vines and leaves from drooping to pet-accessible levels.
- Clean up any fallen leaves promptly to prevent your pets from playing with or chewing on them.
- Monitor your pets’ behavior around plants, especially when they are young or particularly curious. Some pets outgrow the habit of chewing on plants, while others may require ongoing supervision.
Conclusion
While Golden Pothos is a stunning and easy-to-care-for houseplant, it is unfortunately not safe for pets. If you have pets in your home, it’s essential to be mindful of where you place this plant and take steps to prevent your pets from ingesting it.
Knowing the symptoms of toxicity and acting quickly if your pet comes into contact with the plant can help prevent more serious issues.
If you are concerned about the safety of your pets, consider switching to pet-friendly houseplants or ensuring your Pothos is kept in a location that is entirely inaccessible to your furry friends.
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