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Is South African Geranium toxic to dogs?

Pelargonium sidoides

Toxic to dogs

Yes — south african geranium 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 species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool, which cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Cats are particularly sensitive. Keep P. sidoides away from pets.

What to do if your dog ate south african geranium

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

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

Is south african geranium toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is south african geranium toxic to dogs?

Yes — south african geranium 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 species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool, which cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Cats are particularly sensitive. Keep P. sidoides away from pets.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats south african geranium?

ASPCA lists Pelargonium species as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. The toxic principles are geraniol and linalool, which cause vomiting, anorexia, depression, and dermatitis. Cats are particularly sensitive. Keep P. sidoides 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 south african geranium.

What should I do if my dog ate south african geranium?

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 south african geranium toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to south african geranium?

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 south african geranium pet-safety