Pet safety › Dog safety

Is String of Pearls toxic to dogs?

Curio rowleyanus

YES Toxic — moderate

Symptoms in dogs

  • vomiting
  • drooling
  • lethargy
  • diarrhea
  • skin irritation from sap contact

What to do if your dog ate this plant

  1. Remove any visible plant material from your dog's mouth.
  2. Rinse the mouth gently with water if your pet allows it.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinarian.
  4. Contact your vet immediately, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
  5. If possible, bring a sample of the plant or a clear photo to the vet.
  6. Watch for: persistent drooling, swelling around mouth/face, trouble breathing or swallowing, or repeated vomiting — these warrant emergency care.

Why is it toxic?

String of Pearls contains unidentified compound (Senecio-related). When chewed, these compounds release into the mouth and digestive tract, causing irritation and the symptoms listed above.

Prevention tips

  • Place the plant in a hanging basket or on a high shelf out of dog reach.
  • Use bitter-tasting pet-safe sprays on lower leaves as a deterrent.
  • Provide your dog with their own safe greenery (cat grass for cats, pet-safe herbs for dogs).
  • Train your dog away from houseplants with positive reinforcement.

Pet-safe alternatives

If you love how String of Pearls looks but want a dog-safe option, try one of these.

Spider plant with arching striped leaves and small plantlets

Spider Plant

Chlorophytum comosum Pet-safe
Christmas cactus with pink tubular flowers and segmented green stems

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesii Pet-safe
Chinese Money Plant with round flat coin-shaped green leaves on long stems in a white pot

Chinese Money Plant

Pilea peperomioides Pet-safe

Frequently asked questions

Is String of Pearls toxic to dogs?

Yes. String of Pearls is rated moderate toxicity for dogs by the ASPCA. It contains unidentified compound (Senecio-related).

What happens if my dog eats String of Pearls?

Common symptoms include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, diarrhea, skin irritation from sap contact.

What should I do if my dog ate this plant?

Remove any plant material from the mouth, rinse the mouth with water, and contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Bring a sample of the plant if you can.