The string of pearls plant, with its trailing vines of round, bead-like leaves, has become a popular houseplant in recent years But its surging popularity has raised concerns about its toxicity to pets, especially dogs. As a dog owner, you likely want to know are string of pearls poisonous to dogs?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. String of pearls contain toxic compounds that can sicken or even kill dogs if ingested. As this trendy plant graces more and more homes it’s crucial for pet owners to understand the risks and know how to keep their dogs safe.
An Overview of String of Pearls Toxicity
String of pearls also known by its scientific name Senecio rowleyanus, contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These toxins disrupt normal liver cell functions and can be extremely dangerous to dogs.
Dogs tend to be much more sensitive to pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning than people. Even small exposures over time can cause cumulative, irreparable liver damage in canines.
Consuming any part of a string of pearls plant can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild vomiting to severe, potentially fatal liver failure or bleeding disorders. And because toxicity builds up with repeated exposures, even small tastes here and there can be extremely hazardous.
What Happens if a Dog Eats String of Pearls?
If your dog eats some leaves, stems, or any other part of a string of pearls plant, they are likely to show some symptoms of toxicity. The most common effects include:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Lethargy
In more serious cases, dogs may experience:
- Internal bleeding
- Liver damage or failure
- Clotting disorders
- Kidney disorders
- Neurological issues like seizures, disorientation, or coma
Symptoms often begin rapidly, within an hour of ingestion. So it’s critical to get prompt veterinary treatment to try to avoid lasting organ damage or even death.
Which Parts of the Plant Are Toxic?
The entire string of pearls plant should be considered toxic to dogs. The poisonous compounds are present in:
- Leaves
- Stems
- Flowers
- Seeds
- Sap
So even just getting sap on their skin could cause issues for sensitive dogs. It’s best to keep all parts of the plant fully out of reach.
How Much Can Be Deadly?
The amount of string of pearls that is potentially lethal depends on the size of the dog. But even very small quantities can be extremely toxic.
For a small dog, as little as 1-2 leaves or a couple inches of stem may be fatal. Medium or large dogs may be fatally poisoned by eating 5-10 leaves. However, veterinarians recommend keeping any amount of the plant away from dogs, as even tiny tastes or contact can be hazardous.
Are Cats Also at Risk?
While dogs are particularly vulnerable, cats can also become sick if they ingest string of pearls. Cats tend to be pickier eaters, but it’s still safest to keep this plant totally out of felines’ reach as well.
Protecting Your Dog from String of Pearls Poisoning
The only foolproof way to prevent string of pearls toxicity is to keep the plant completely away from curious canines. Here are some tips to dog-proof your home:
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Hang string of pearls high up out of reach or place them behind barriers dogs can’t access.
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Opt for non-toxic dog-safe houseplants instead of string of pearls.
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Closely supervise dogs around houseplants and train them to avoid eating foliage.
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Trim string of pearls frequently so vines don’t dangle within reach.
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Put string of pearls in an enclosed terrarium if you want to display them low down.
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Consider removing string of pearls plants from your home and yard if you have a known plant-eater.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats String of Pearls
If you believe your dog has ingested any part of a string of pearls plant, call your vet or visit an emergency animal hospital immediately. Quick action is vital to try to prevent severe, potentially irreversible health impacts.
Veterinarians typically induce vomiting to expel the plant material from the stomach. Other treatments like intravenous fluids, activated charcoal, liver protectants, vitamin K, and supportive care may be administered as needed.
With early treatment, most dogs recover fully if not much was consumed. But in cases of severe poisoning, the prognosis may be guarded to poor. Avoidance and caution are key when it comes to keeping your dog safe from these deceivingly deadly succulents.
The Bottom Line
While string of pearls are enticing additions to home decor, they can pose major risks to dogs. These popular succulents contain toxins that can lead to very serious, even fatal consequences if ingested by canines.
As a dog owner, it’s crucial to keep string of pearls and all potentially hazardous plants completely out of reach of curious pets. When in doubt, vet-approved dog-safe picks are the way to go. Your furry best friend’s health and safety should always come first.
By understanding the dangers and properly dog-proofing your home, you can help protect your precious pet. A little awareness goes a long way when it comes to avoiding string of pearls poisoning and keeping the dogs you love happy and healthy.
Are Succulents Safe to Have Around Pets?
With many people spending more time at home, interest in adding some greenery to indoor spaces has only skyrocketed. And why not? Plants provide numerous benefits, from adding some visual interest, to helping with mental health and some even clean the air. For those with pets at home, having plants may be a little more challenging, particularly if your furry friend thinks that a new plant may be tasty.
Many people enjoy succulents for their easy care, pretty aesthetic and compact size. The wide variety of succulents available today allows people to have a vast array of different types of foliage at home to enjoy. However, more variety can also lead to some confusion over which plants are safe for your pets. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has a list of which popular succulents are toxic and which are safe, as well as tips to help keep your pets safe.
Non-Toxic Succulents
If your furry friend is keen on nibbling plants, or if you would prefer not to worry about your pet ingesting a plant, you may consider one of the below succulents. However, it is important to remember that “non-toxic” does not mean “no problem”. Some pets may develop mild stomach upset ingesting any type of plant, since it is not part of their regular diet. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of the scientific names of the plants in your house, as many common names overlap with different species and toxicity can vary between species.
Toxic Succulents
Jade plants or crassula ovata are considered toxic, potentially causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy and inappetence if ingested. The Jade plant has a number of other common names and is also known as: Lucky plant, Money Tree or Money plant. This is not to be confused with a pachira aquatica which is also referred to as a Money Tree. Since the Jade plant can handle both low and high amounts of sunlight, try keeping it in a high up spot that your pet cannot get to.
Pencil cactus or euphorbia tirucalli is a cute little succulent that gets its name from its stems, which are about the diameter of a pencil. If you have ever broken a stem on a pencil cactus, you have seen the white sap or latex of the plant. Unfortunately, it’s that white substance that causes issues if your pet ingests it. The sap contains an irritant that causes vomiting and drooling. There is also concern for eye irritation including redness, swelling, squinting or pawing of the eyes if any gets near or in the eye. In severe cases ulcers on the surface of the eye, called corneal ulcers, are possible. Since these plants can be so problematic to pets, it’s best to leave these at the store, or keep them in a place your pet cannot reach.
Mother in Law’s Tongue or Sansevieria trifasciata is well known for its funny name, but also as a starter plant for those new to house plants due to its hardiness. It is considered toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lethargy in dogs or cats that ingest it. Similarly to the Jade plant, it tolerates low or high amounts of light, so you can keep it high up and out of paw’s reach!
String of pearls or senecio rowleyanus is not always the easiest to find but is popular due to its unique appearance. If ingested, it can cause stomach upset–predominately vomiting–and lethargy. The nice thing about this plant is it works well as a hanging plant, making it easier to keep out of reach of our furry friends.
Have a different succulent at home and not sure if it’s toxic? Check on APCC’s full list of toxic and non-toxic plants!
If you suspect your pet may have ingested something potentially toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately at (888) 426-4435.
Other Ways to Help:
String of Pearls Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
FAQ
Are strings of pearls toxic to dogs?
Although it is beautiful, the string of pearls plant is toxic to dogs as well as humans. In humans, eating part of the plant can cause moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. However, if your dog consumes any of the string of pearls, the toxic compounds in the plant can be devastating.
What is the most toxic plant for dogs?
- Lilies. Beautiful though they may be, lilies are one of the most toxic house plants for cats. …
- Philodendron. …
- Oleander. …
- Aloe. …
- Chrysanthemum. …
- Hyacinth. …
- Jade plant. …
- Sago palm.
How poisonous is string of pearls?
rowleyanus is somewhat poisonous and should not be consumed. In humans the string of pearls plant is rated as toxicity classes 2 and 4 by the University of California, Davis. Class 2 is defined by minor toxicity; ingestion of string of pearls may cause minor illnesses such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Are succulents toxic for dogs?
Are string of pearls poisonous to dogs?
The strange, succulent leaves that look like green pearls hanging from the plant in long strings give this plant its unique name. Although it is beautiful, the string of pearls plant is toxic to dogs as well as humans. In humans, eating part of the plant can cause moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting.
Can dogs eat string of pearls?
Although it is beautiful, the string of pearls plant is toxic to dogs as well as humans. In humans, eating part of the plant can cause moderate gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. However, if your dog consumes any of the string of pearls, the toxic compounds in the plant can be devastating.
Can dogs eat string of pearls & Senecio rowleyanus?
It is considered toxic, causing vomiting, diarrhea, drooling and lethargy in dogs or cats that ingest it. Similarly to the Jade plant, it tolerates low or high amounts of light, so you can keep it high up and out of paw’s reach! String of pearls or senecio rowleyanus is not always the easiest to find but is popular due to its unique appearance.
What happens if a bird eats a string of pearls?
Just like your cats or dogs, the string of pearls is toxic for the birds also. The string of pearls can cause severe problems in the birds and can even be deadly and life-threatening. If your bird comes in contact with the string of pearls, the poison will affect it.
Why are pearls toxic?
Due to the fact that pearls are formed by oysters secreting a combination of aragonite, conchiolin, and water around irritants in their bodies, they are exposed to acids, ammonia, alkaline, extreme humidity. Moreover, pearls contain that organic soft material called nacre so anything that is harmful to organic materials should be avoided.
How do you treat string of pearls in dogs?
Treatment will depend on how much string of pearls your dog ate and what symptoms have been noticed. Early decontamination can help reduce the symptoms, so the veterinarian will induce vomiting with a hydrogen peroxide medication. Also, activated charcoal is recommended if it has been less than three hours since ingestion.