Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum), also called arrowhead vine, nephthytis or African evergreen, is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs.
Is arrowhead plant toxic to cats?
Cats · Mildly toxicMildly. Arrowhead plant is mildly toxic to cats. Signs to watch for: pawing at the mouth; excessive drooling; swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips; vomiting; difficulty swallowing.
Is arrowhead plant toxic to dogs?
Dogs · Mildly toxicMildly. Arrowhead plant is mildly toxic to dogs. Dogs show the same signs as cats. Like pothos and philodendron, it is an aroid that contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth, tongue and lips as soon as the leaves are chewed.
Why
The arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Like pothos and philodendron, it is an aroid that contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth, tongue and lips as soon as the leaves are chewed.
The arrowhead plant rarely causes more than a painful mouth. The discomfort is quick and strong, so most pets stop chewing almost immediately, though small cats and puppies can still drool and vomit for a while.
How to recognize it
The arrowhead plant gets its name from its young leaves, which are shaped like arrowheads and often marked with cream, pink or silver. As the plant matures and starts to climb, new leaves split into three or more lobes. It is usually sold as a compact tabletop plant and later trails or climbs.
Signs to watch for
- Pawing at the mouth
- Excessive drooling
- Swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
What to do
- Wipe out your pet's mouth or rinse it with water and offer something cool to drink.
- Contact your vet if symptoms last more than a few hours, or immediately if breathing is affected.
- Keep arrowhead plants on high shelves and clear away trimmings the same day.
Why the leaves change shape
The arrowhead plant changes its look as it grows, which can make owners think they have two different plants. Young, bushy plants carry neat arrow-shaped leaves. Older stems that are allowed to climb produce bigger leaves divided into several finger-like lobes.
The arrowhead plant carries the same irritating crystals at every stage, and leaf color does not matter either. Pink, white and green cultivars are all forms of Syngonium podophyllum and all fall under the ASPCA's toxic listing.
Trimming a climbing arrowhead plant
Arrowhead plants are often cut back to keep them bushy, and the cuttings are rooted in glasses of water. Both habits put loose leaves and stems at pet height. A cat that likes to drink from glasses on the counter will find a propagation jar very interesting.
The arrowhead plant is safest to prune with pets out of the room. Wear gloves, wash your hands afterward, collect every clipping before you let pets back in, and keep propagation jars somewhere your pets cannot reach.
What a vet usually does
Treatment for arrowhead plant exposure is supportive, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual. A vet removes any remaining plant material, rinses or wipes out the mouth to clear the crystals, and treats pain or vomiting if needed. Most pets are back to normal within a day.
Arrowhead plant cases need a prompt visit when the throat may be swelling. Go in straight away if your pet has noisy breathing, cannot swallow water, or has a swollen face or neck. A photo of the plant helps, because many aroids are sold under mixed-up names.
Pet-safe alternatives
Looking for something similar without the risk? These plants are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Common questions
Is arrowhead plant poisonous to pets?
Cats: Mildly toxic. Dogs: Mildly toxic. The arrowhead plant is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing Syngonium causes painful mouth irritation, drooling and sometimes vomiting, but serious poisoning is uncommon.
Is it safe to keep arrowhead plant in a home with cats and dogs?
Yes, as long as your pets cannot reach it. Keep arrowhead plants on high shelves and clear away trimmings the same day.
What should I do if my pet chews arrowhead plant?
Wipe out your pet's mouth or rinse it with water and offer something cool to drink. Contact your vet if symptoms last more than a few hours, or immediately if breathing is affected.
Which pet-safe plants can I grow instead of arrowhead plant?
Calathea and spider plant are listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Houseplants and Ornamentals Toxic to Animals.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List (dogs, cats).
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
If your pet has eaten a toxic plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away and bring a photo or piece of the plant. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).