Growli
Let's go

Pet safety

Is Geranium sylvaticum toxic to dogs?

Geranium sylvaticum

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sylvaticum 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. The true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe.

What to do if your dog ate geranium sylvaticum

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

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

Is geranium sylvaticum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is geranium sylvaticum toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists geranium sylvaticum 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. The true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats geranium sylvaticum?

The true Geranium genus (hardy cranesbills) is not individually listed on the ASPCA toxic plant database; the ASPCA 'Geranium' entry actually refers to Pelargonium (scented/bedding geranium), which is toxic via geraniol and linalool. Cranesbills are widely regarded as non-toxic, but because Geranium sylvaticum is not specifically ASPCA-listed, treat with caution and verify with a vet before assuming pet-safe. 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 sylvaticum.

What should I do if my dog ate geranium sylvaticum?

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 sylvaticum toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to geranium sylvaticum?

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 sylvaticum pet-safety