Pet emergency
My dog ate Pelargonium-Flowered Stork's Bill — what to do
Step by step
- Take pelargonium-flowered stork's bill away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet, or a poison-control line — (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK. Both charge a consultation fee. Follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet — or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK.
My dog ate pelargonium-flowered stork's bill — FAQ
Is pelargonium-flowered stork's bill poisonous to dogs?
Yes — Pelargonium-Flowered Stork's Bill (Erodium pelargoniiflorum) is regarded as mildly toxic to dogs, based on genus- and family-level toxicity data. Erodium pelargoniiflorum is not listed as a toxic plant by the ASPCA. No toxic principles have been identified for the genus Erodium. However, the ASPCA does not carry a confirmed 'non-toxic' entry for this exact species, so mildly-toxic is the cautious classification; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Consult a vet if a pet eats significant amounts.
How serious is it if my dog ate pelargonium-flowered stork's bill?
Pelargonium-Flowered Stork's Bill is mildly toxic, so most dogs get short-lived mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a life-threatening reaction. It is still worth a vet call to be safe, especially if your dog ate a lot or symptoms persist.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. Erodium pelargoniiflorum is not listed as a toxic plant by the ASPCA. No toxic principles have been identified for the genus Erodium. However, the ASPCA does not carry a confirmed 'non-toxic' entry for this exact species, so mildly-toxic is the cautious classification; ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. Consult a vet if a pet eats significant amounts. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or a poison-control specialist specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep pelargonium-flowered stork's bill well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Type any plant to see what the ASPCA says about it and your dog.
Related
- Is pelargonium-flowered stork's bill toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pelargonium-Flowered Stork's Bill and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide
- Best plant app for pet owners — which apps actually flag ASPCA toxicity before you buy the plant