Pet emergency
My dog ate Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' — what to do
Step by step
- Take pelargonium 'lara starshine' 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and 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.
My dog ate pelargonium 'lara starshine' — FAQ
Is pelargonium 'lara starshine' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' (Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine') as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Pelargonium species (geranium), which includes scented-leaved pelargoniums, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool, and ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Although the leaves are used to flavour culinary preparations for people, keep the plant out of reach of pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate pelargonium 'lara starshine'?
Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Pelargonium species (geranium), which includes scented-leaved pelargoniums, as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool, and ingestion can cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Although the leaves are used to flavour culinary preparations for people, keep the plant out of reach of pets. 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 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep pelargonium 'lara starshine' well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is pelargonium 'lara starshine' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pelargonium 'Lara Starshine' and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide