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Pet safety

Is String of Pearls toxic to dogs?

Senecio rowleyanus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — string of pearls is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Senecio rowleyanus is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats (and mildly toxic to humans). The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, drooling, and in severe cases liver damage. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

What to do if your dog ate string of pearls

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move string of pearls 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 pearls to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is string of pearls toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is string of pearls toxic to dogs?

Yes — string of pearls is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. Senecio rowleyanus is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats (and mildly toxic to humans). The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, drooling, and in severe cases liver damage. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

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

Senecio rowleyanus is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats (and mildly toxic to humans). The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, drooling, and in severe cases liver damage. Keep out of reach of pets and children. 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 pearls.

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

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 pearls toxic to cats too?

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

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

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 pearls pet-safety