Is String of Bananas toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is String of Bananas for pets?
Same Senecio toxic profile as String of Pearls: mild-moderate GI upset.
Senecio radicans
Also called: String of Fishhooks.
What makes it toxic
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids.
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
Symptoms to watch for
- Liver damage, which ASPCA says can progress to liver failure
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Sleepiness and yawning
- Incoordination (ataxia)
- Yellowish mucous membranes (icterus, jaundice)
- Neurologic problems from liver failure: aimless walking, chewing motions, head pressing
- Depression
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Muddy mucous membranes
- ASPCA notes animals may seem normal at first, then become suddenly affected, and the illness progresses over a few days to a week
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (ASPCA entry for the genus)
What to do if your pet chewed it
- Move the plant out of reach so they cannot take another bite.
- If your pet is alert, gently rinse their mouth and offer a little water.
- Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435, especially if you see drooling, vomiting, swelling, or lethargy.
Pet-safe swaps
The same green look without the toxicity worry. Each of these is non-toxic to both dogs and cats in our data.
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Buy Apollo a treatQuick answers about String of Bananas
Is String of Bananas toxic to cats?
Yes, String of Bananas is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is String of Bananas toxic to dogs?
Yes, String of Bananas is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
What is String of Bananas also called?
String of Bananas (Senecio radicans) is also called String of Fishhooks.
More plant lists
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Scan your plantAlways confirm with a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) before assuming safety. This is a household reference, not a substitute for professional guidance in a suspected poisoning.
· Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
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