Is Pilea Toxic to Dogs? Chinese Money Plant Safety

Name: Is Pilea Toxic to Dogs? Chinese Money Plant Safety
Creator: Dr. Zubair Khalid

By Dr. Zubair Khalid, DVM, MS, PhD · 2026-10-03

Is pilea peperomioides toxic to dogs? For the common houseplant known as the Chinese money plant, the answer is no. Pilea species are generally considered non-toxic to dogs, and the ASPCA classifies several Pilea varieties as safe for dogs, cats, and horses [1][2]. That said, eating any plant material can still irritate a dog's stomach, so a little knowledge goes a long way.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Quick Answer

Pilea plants, including Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant), Pilea glauca, Pilea cadierei (aluminum plant), and Pilea microphylla (artillery plant), are listed as non-toxic to dogs [1][2].
The toxic principle in these plants is listed as non-toxic, meaning there is no known poison in the plant itself [1][2].
A dog that chews or swallows pilea leaves may still vomit or have diarrhea simply because plant material is hard to digest.
If your dog eats a large amount of any plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.

Are Pilea Plants Toxic to Dogs?

No. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center lists Pilea microphylla, also called artillery plant, as non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses [2]. A separate ASPCA record for Pilea mucosa lists the same non-toxicity status for dogs, cats, and horses [1]. These records cover the Pilea genus broadly enough that owners of Pilea peperomioides, Pilea glauca, Pilea cadierei, and the so-called moon valley pilea (Pilea mollis) can generally relax.

The family behind these plants is Urticaceae, the nettle family [1][2]. That name makes some owners nervous because stinging nettles are famous for irritating skin. The houseplant pileas sold in the United States do not have the stinging hairs that give nettles their reputation. Your Chinese money plant is a soft-leaved tropical species grown indoors, not a stinging weed.

Which Parts of the Plant Matter?

The leaves and stems are the parts a dog is most likely to chew. The ASPCA does not list any toxic plant part for Pilea species because the plant is classified as non-toxic overall [1][2]. There is no sap, berry, or root that carries a known poison in these species.

This does not mean a pilea leaf is a snack. Dogs are not built to digest large amounts of fibrous plant matter. A mouthful of leaves can cause stomach upset even when the plant itself contains no toxin.

What About Pilea glauca, Pilea cadierei, and Moon Valley Pilea?

These are all Pilea species, and the ASPCA non-toxicity listing applies to the genus [1][2]. Pilea glauca is a small trailing plant often sold in terrariums. Pilea cadierei is the aluminum plant with silver-marked leaves. Moon valley pilea is a cultivar group with deeply textured, bronze-green leaves. None of them are known to contain a dog toxin.

If you are unsure which plant you have, take a clear photo of the leaves and stems and show it to your veterinarian or a plant identification app. Misidentification is the main reason plant poisonings get confusing.

The Toxic Principle and What It Does in the Body

There is no toxic principle in Pilea species [1][2]. That is the plainest way to say it. The plant does not produce grayanotoxins, cardiac glycosides, oxalates, or any of the other compounds that make some houseplants dangerous.

For context, many serious plant poisonings in dogs come from plants that do contain those compounds. A review of plant poisoning in dogs and cats describes cases caused by lilies, cycads, plants with soluble oxalates, plants with cardiac glycosides, and euphorbias [3]. An Italian survey of plant poisonings in domestic animals found that dogs were the most commonly affected species, accounting for 61.8 percent of calls, and that most exposures caused mild to moderate signs [4]. Pilea is not on those dangerous lists.

When a dog eats pilea, the main issue is mechanical and digestive. The plant fiber can sit heavy in the stomach. Some dogs vomit after eating any leafy material, the same way some dogs vomit after eating grass. That reaction is about the stomach responding to bulk, not about a poison.

Signs of Pilea Ingestion and Their Timeline

Most dogs that nibble a pilea show no signs at all. If signs do appear, they are usually mild and start within a few hours of eating the plant.

Watch for:

Vomiting, sometimes with visible plant pieces
Soft stool or diarrhea
Drooling
Lip licking or mild nausea
Reduced appetite for one meal

These signs are not specific to pilea. They can happen after a dog eats any unusual plant material. A large review of indoor plant poisoning in companion animals notes that pets spend more time indoors with houseplants, which raises the chance of these everyday exposures [5].

When Signs Should Stop

Mild stomach upset from eating plant material usually settles within 12 to 24 hours. If your dog vomits once or twice and then acts normal, that is a good sign. If vomiting continues past a few hours, if your dog cannot keep water down, or if your dog seems painful or lethargic, that is no longer a simple plant nibble. Call your veterinarian.

What to Do Right Now

Stay calm and take these steps in order.

Move your dog away from the plant and pick up any fallen leaves.
Check your dog's mouth for leaves or stems that might be stuck.
Note how much plant material is missing and when your dog ate it.
Call your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian tells you to.

That last point matters. Inducing vomiting at home can cause problems if the material is sharp, if your dog is already vomiting, or if your dog has a health condition. Let a veterinarian decide.

If your dog ate a pilea and also chewed on something else in the house, mention everything. Our guide to Dog Ate Toxic Plant walks through how to sort out a mixed exposure. If the item was a pen instead of a plant, see My Dog Ate a Pen: Is It Toxic or Just a Blockage Risk?.

What to Tell the Poison Control Specialist

Have these details ready:

Your dog's weight and age
The plant name, or a photo if you are unsure
How much plant material your dog ate
The time it happened
Any signs you have seen

A consultation fee may apply when you call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center [1][2].

Veterinary Treatment for Pilea Ingestion

For a dog that ate a small amount of pilea and looks fine, treatment may be nothing more than monitoring at home. Your veterinarian may ask you to watch for vomiting or diarrhea for the rest of the day.

If your dog has vomiting or diarrhea, the veterinarian may recommend supportive care. That can include:

A bland diet for a day or two
Fluids under the skin or into a vein if your dog is dehydrated
Anti-nausea medication
A stool check if diarrhea persists

There is no antidote for pilea because there is no toxin [1][2]. Treatment is about comfort and hydration.

If your dog ate a large amount of plant material, the veterinarian may consider whether a mass of leaves is sitting in the stomach. That is uncommon with soft houseplant leaves, but it is possible with any bulky material. X-rays or an ultrasound may be used if the veterinarian suspects a blockage.

Doses of any medication are calculated by your veterinarian from your dog's weight and health. Never give human medications to your dog without veterinary guidance.

Outlook After Eating Pilea

The outlook is excellent. Pilea is non-toxic to dogs, so the risk of serious poisoning is very low [1][2]. Most dogs recover with no treatment at all.

The main reason a dog ends up at the vet after eating pilea is stomach upset or a worried owner. Both are reasonable reasons to call. A quick phone call can save you a stressful night.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, a chronic illness, or is very young or very old, be a little more cautious. Call your veterinarian even if the plant is considered safe.

Prevention and Safer Alternatives

The simplest prevention is placement. Put your pilea on a shelf, a windowsill, or a hanging planter that your dog cannot reach. If your dog is a determined chewer, a closed room or a plant cabinet works well.

Other steps that help:

Pick up fallen leaves right away.
Offer safe chew toys so your dog has something else to mouth.
Train a solid "leave it" cue.
Keep new plants out of reach until you confirm their identity.

If you want to double-check the plants already in your home, our list of Plants Poisonous To Dogs is a good starting point. For food items that dogs sometimes grab, see My Dog Ate a Peach Pit: Is It a Choking Hazard or Toxic? and Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit? Pitaya and Seed Digestibility.

Safer Plant Choices for Dog Households

If you want a low-risk houseplant collection, look for plants with a non-toxic listing. Pilea is one of them [1][2]. Other commonly kept non-toxic plants include many species of spider plant, Boston fern, and certain palms. Always verify the exact species before you buy, because common names overlap and one plant can share a nickname with a toxic cousin.

Limitations and When to Contact a Veterinarian

This article covers Pilea species as a group. It cannot tell you what is happening in your individual dog. Individual cases need a veterinarian who can examine your dog, ask questions, and decide on next steps.

Call your veterinarian the same day if:

Your dog vomited more than two or three times
Your dog has diarrhea that lasts more than a day
Your dog refuses food or water
Your dog seems uncomfortable or restless

Go to an emergency clinic now if:

Your dog is weak, wobbly, or collapsing
Your dog is having trouble breathing
Your dog's gums look pale or white
Your dog is retching without bringing anything up
You suspect your dog ate a different plant and you are not sure which one

Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 if you cannot reach your veterinarian. A consultation fee may apply [1][2].

Schedule a routine visit if your dog has repeated mild stomach upset after eating plants, or if you want help dog-proofing your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pilea peperomioides safe for dogs to be around?

Yes. The Chinese money plant is considered non-toxic to dogs, so having it in your home is not a poisoning risk [1][2]. A dog that chews the leaves may still get an upset stomach from the plant fiber.

What happens if my dog eats a whole pilea leaf?

Most dogs have no reaction beyond maybe a soft stool or one episode of vomiting. The plant does not contain a known toxin [1][2]. If your dog eats several leaves, call your veterinarian for advice.

Is moon valley pilea poisonous to dogs?

No. Moon valley pilea is a Pilea variety, and the ASPCA lists Pilea species as non-toxic to dogs [1][2]. The textured leaves may cause mild mouth irritation if chewed, but there is no poison.

Can pilea cause vomiting in dogs even though it is non-toxic?

Yes. Vomiting after eating plant material is common and does not always mean poisoning. The stomach reacts to the bulk and fiber. If vomiting is repeated or lasts more than a few hours, call your veterinarian.

Should I make my dog throw up after eating pilea?

No, not unless a veterinarian tells you to. Since pilea is non-toxic, there is usually no reason to induce vomiting [1][2]. Home induction can cause harm, so let a professional guide that decision.

References

Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Pilea Mucosa. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Pilea Microphylla. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Potential plant poisonings in dogs and cats in southern Africa. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 2009.
Plant poisoning in domestic animals: epidemiological data from an Italian survey (2000-2011). The Veterinary record, 2013.
Indoor Companion Animal Poisoning by Plants in Europe. Frontiers in veterinary science, 2020.