Is String of Pearls toxic to dogs and cats?
How serious is String of Pearls for pets?
Mild-moderate GI upset (vomiting, drooling, diarrhea). Sap can irritate skin on contact.
Senecio rowleyanus
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 Pearls
Is String of Pearls toxic to cats?
Yes, String of Pearls is toxic to cats. See all 127 plants toxic to cats.
Is String of Pearls toxic to dogs?
Yes, String of Pearls is toxic to dogs. See all 124 plants toxic to dogs.
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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