Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is String of Tears toxic to dogs?

Curio herreanus

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists string of tears as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Curio herreanus is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the ASPCA names its near-identical relative, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), as causing stomach upset (mainly vomiting) and lethargy, and lists the wider Senecio group as toxic due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Because the genus is not clean, treat string of tears as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, keep it out of reach, and verify with your vet if a pet ingests any.

What to do if your dog ate string of tears

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move string of tears out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of string of tears to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten string of tears, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is string of tears toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is string of tears toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists string of tears as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Curio herreanus is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the ASPCA names its near-identical relative, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), as causing stomach upset (mainly vomiting) and lethargy, and lists the wider Senecio group as toxic due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Because the genus is not clean, treat string of tears as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, keep it out of reach, and verify with your vet if a pet ingests any.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats string of tears?

Curio herreanus is not individually listed in the ASPCA toxic-plant database, but the ASPCA names its near-identical relative, string of pearls (Senecio rowleyanus), as causing stomach upset (mainly vomiting) and lethargy, and lists the wider Senecio group as toxic due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Because the genus is not clean, treat string of tears as mildly toxic to cats and dogs, keep it out of reach, and verify with your vet if a pet ingests any. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to string of tears.

What should I do if my dog ate string of tears?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is string of tears toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: String of Tears is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full string of tears pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to string of tears?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full string of tears pet-safety