Growli
Let's go

If your dog ate string of pickles — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

String of pickles is mildly toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate String of pickles — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take string of pickles away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 string of pickles — FAQ

Is string of pickles poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists String of pickles (Othonna capensis 'Little Pickles' (syn. Crassothonna capensis)) as mildly toxic to dogs. Othonna (Crassothonna) capensis is NOT individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the Othonna/Crassothonna genus appears on either ASPCA list, so the genus is not confirmed clean. Online "ASPCA says non-toxic" claims are secondhand and unverified. Because related Asteraceae trailing succulents (Senecio species) are ASPCA-listed as mildly to moderately toxic, treat string of pickles as mildly toxic: keep it away from pets, watch for mild GI upset (vomiting) if chewed, and verify with your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435).

How serious is it if my dog ate string of pickles?

String of pickles is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.

What symptoms should I watch for?

Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Othonna (Crassothonna) capensis is NOT individually listed on the ASPCA toxic or non-toxic plant database, and no member of the Othonna/Crassothonna genus appears on either ASPCA list, so the genus is not confirmed clean. Online "ASPCA says non-toxic" claims are secondhand and unverified. Because related Asteraceae trailing succulents (Senecio species) are ASPCA-listed as mildly to moderately toxic, treat string of pickles as mildly toxic: keep it away from pets, watch for mild GI upset (vomiting) if chewed, and verify with your vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435). 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 string of pickles well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

Related