Baby Tears — (c) Carnat Joel, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Photo by (c) Carnat Joel, some rights reserved (CC BY)iNaturalistCC BY
dog safety reference

Is Baby Tears safe for dogs?

Soleirolia soleirolii

Baby Tears is a delicate, creeping groundcover often grown in terrariums or as a houseplant for its dense, moss-like appearance. It is considered non-toxic to pets, though ingestion of large amounts of plant material may cause minor digestive upset.

Helxine soleiroliiMind-Your-Own-BusinessPaddys WigSoleirolia soleirolii
Light
Bright indirect light
Habit
Creeping
Care
Moderate

Safety status

Dogs

Generally safe

Consulted references do not classify the plant as toxic for that pet type, while still allowing for mild GI upset if large amounts are chewed.

Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.

What this means for your dog

Casually safe for dogs — ASPCA lists Soleirolia soleirolii (Paddy's Wig / Baby Tears) with no toxic principle. A dog that grazes on the dense leafy mat may swallow more plant material than a cat would, but the worst expected outcome is short-lived stomach upset, not poisoning.

Sources: ASPCA.

If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.

Dogsconcern notes

Common signs

None expected; however, consumption of large quantities may lead to mild vomiting or diarrhea due to the fibrous nature of the plant.

Escalation note

This plant is non-toxic. If your dog consumes a significant amount and shows persistent gastrointestinal distress, contact your veterinarian.

Bring it home

Baby Tearsis generally pet-safe in ordinary household exposure. If you’d like one for your space, here’s a starting point.

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Source evidence

ASPCA Toxic Plant List

toxicology · 99% reliability

Open source

Paddy's Wig is listed as non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

NC State Extension Plant Toolbox

botanical · 94% reliability

Open source

Soleirolia soleirolii is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial often used as a houseplant or groundcover.

Cats & dogs pagecats page

Questions about Baby Tears

Is Baby Tears toxic to dogs?

Baby Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) is non-toxic to dogs. The ASPCA provenance audit (verified 2026-05-06) classifies it as generally safe, meaning no toxic compounds are expected to harm your dog if they nibble on it.

What happens if my dog eats Baby Tears?

No toxic effects are expected, but eating a large quantity of the fibrous plant material may cause mild vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms should be brief and minor.

Do I need to call the vet if my dog ate Baby Tears?

A small nibble does not require a vet call. If your dog ate a significant amount and shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy that does not resolve within a few hours, contact your veterinarian.

Does non-toxic mean Baby Tears is safe for dogs to eat in large amounts?

Non-toxic means the plant contains no compounds known to poison dogs, but that does not make it a safe food. Large ingestions of any fibrous plant material can irritate the digestive tract and cause GI upset, so it is best to keep your dog from grazing on it.

Same dog verdict

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