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If your dog ate southernwood-leaved pelargonium — do this now

  1. Take the plant away and clear any pieces from their mouth.
  2. Do not induce vomiting unless told to by a professional.
  3. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 now.

Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium is toxic to dogs (ASPCA).

Pet emergency

My dog ate Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium — what to do

Step by step

  1. Take southernwood-leaved pelargonium away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
  2. Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
  3. Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
  5. 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 southernwood-leaved pelargonium — FAQ

Is southernwood-leaved pelargonium poisonous to dogs?

Yes — the ASPCA lists Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium (Pelargonium abrotanifolium) as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists Pelargonium species (geranium) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; ingestion causes vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Keep P. abrotanifolium away from all pets.

How serious is it if my dog ate southernwood-leaved pelargonium?

Southernwood-leaved Pelargonium 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. ASPCA lists Pelargonium species (geranium) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; ingestion causes vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Keep P. abrotanifolium away from all 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 southernwood-leaved pelargonium well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.

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