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Is Common peony toxic to dogs?

Paeonia officinalis

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common peony as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon.

What to do if your dog ate common peony

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move common peony out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of common peony to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten common peony, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is common peony toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is common peony toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists common peony as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats common peony?

Paeonia officinalis is listed by the ASPCA as toxic to dogs and cats, causing gastrointestinal upset (vomiting, diarrhea) if plant material is ingested. The toxic principle is paeonol. All parts are considered toxic, though serious systemic effects are uncommon. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to common peony.

What should I do if my dog ate common peony?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is common peony toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Common peony is mildly toxic to cats as well. See the full common peony pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to common peony?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full common peony pet-safety