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Pet safety

Is Peony toxic to dogs?

Paeonia

Toxic to dogs

Yes — peony 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 Paeonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to paeonol. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea; serious cases are rare.

What to do if your dog ate peony

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

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

Is peony toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is peony toxic to dogs?

Yes — peony is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to paeonol. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea; serious cases are rare.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats peony?

ASPCA lists Paeonia as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to paeonol. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea; serious cases are rare. 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 peony.

What should I do if my dog ate 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 peony toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to 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 peony pet-safety