Pet emergency
My dog ate Pelargonium 'Mrs Pollock' — what to do
Step by step
- Take pelargonium 'mrs pollock' 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 'mrs pollock' — FAQ
Is pelargonium 'mrs pollock' poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Pelargonium 'Mrs Pollock' (Pelargonium 'Mrs Pollock') as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Geranium (Pelargonium) as toxic to cats and dogs; geraniol and linalool are the toxic principles. Ingestion may cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis. Keep this plant away from pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate pelargonium 'mrs pollock'?
Pelargonium 'Mrs Pollock' is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet, or (888) 426-4435 in the US, or Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509 000 in the UK, 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 Geranium (Pelargonium) as toxic to cats and dogs; geraniol and linalool are the toxic principles. Ingestion may cause vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis. Keep this plant away from 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 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 'mrs pollock' 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 'mrs pollock' toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Pelargonium 'Mrs Pollock' 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