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Is Geranium (pelargonium) toxic to dogs?

Pelargonium × hortorum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — geranium (pelargonium) is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Pelargonium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic.

What to do if your dog ate geranium (pelargonium)

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move geranium (pelargonium) 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 geranium (pelargonium) to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is geranium (pelargonium) toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is geranium (pelargonium) toxic to dogs?

Yes — geranium (pelargonium) is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Pelargonium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats geranium (pelargonium)?

ASPCA lists Pelargonium as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to geraniol and linalool. Symptoms include vomiting, depression, and dermatitis. True hardy geraniums (Geranium) are not toxic. 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 geranium (pelargonium).

What should I do if my dog ate geranium (pelargonium)?

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 geranium (pelargonium) toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Geranium (pelargonium) is toxic to cats as well. See the full geranium (pelargonium) pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to geranium (pelargonium)?

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 geranium (pelargonium) pet-safety