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Is Pelargonium citronellum toxic to dogs?

Pelargonium citronellum

Toxic to dogs

Yes — pelargonium citronellum 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. The ASPCA lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate pelargonium citronellum

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

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

Is pelargonium citronellum toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is pelargonium citronellum toxic to dogs?

Yes — pelargonium citronellum is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats pelargonium citronellum?

The ASPCA lists Geranium / Scented Geranium (Pelargonium spp.) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. Toxic principles are geraniol and linalool; signs include vomiting, anorexia, depression and dermatitis, with cats most sensitive. Keep this plant away from pets. 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 pelargonium citronellum.

What should I do if my dog ate pelargonium citronellum?

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 pelargonium citronellum toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to pelargonium citronellum?

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 pelargonium citronellum pet-safety