Are Geraniums Toxic to Dogs? Symptoms & What to Do

Mildly toxic

Yes, geraniums are mildly toxic to dogs

Garden geraniums (Pelargonium) contain geraniol and linalool, which can cause vomiting, poor appetite and skin irritation. Cats may be more sensitive. Geranium essential oil is more concentrated and riskier.

Geraniums and dogs: key facts

Toxic to dogs?	Mildly toxic
Toxic to cats?	Mildly toxic
Scientific name	Pelargonium spp.
Also called	scented geranium, zonal geranium
Toxic compound	Geraniol and linalool
Toxic parts	All parts
Signs usually start	Usually within a few hours
Plant type	Flower

Symptoms of geraniums poisoning in dogs

Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Depression
Skin irritation (dermatitis)

Why geraniums are toxic to dogs

These aromatic oils irritate the gut and skin. Cats can be more sensitive to plant oils because of differences in how their liver processes them.

What to do if your dog ate geraniums

Remove plant pieces from your dog's mouth and move dogs away from the plant. Wipe sap or pollen off the fur and paws with a damp cloth.
Call your vet or animal poison control for advice: ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 · Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661.
Identify the plant. Take a photo or bring a piece (or the plant label) to the vet, and estimate how much was eaten and when.
Do not make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Home remedies such as hydrogen peroxide or salt can cause serious harm.
Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, depression. Go to a vet if signs are severe, last more than a day, or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

Treatment and outlook

Supportive care for vomiting, and washing the skin if there is dermatitis.

How to keep your dog away from geraniums

Place geraniums on high shelves or in hanging planters out of reach of paws and tails, or in a room your dog cannot enter.
Give your dog something better to chew: chew toys and puzzle feeders reduce boredom chewing.
Pick up fallen leaves, petals and pollen promptly, and empty vases where pets can reach them.
In the garden, fence off beds, supervise dogs that dig, and store bulbs in a closed container before planting.

Pet-safe alternatives to geraniums

If you love flowers, these are listed as non-toxic to dogs by the ASPCA:

See the full list of plants safe for dogs.

Geraniums and dogs: FAQ

Are geraniums poisonous to dogs?

Geraniums are mildly toxic to dogs. Geraniol and linalool can cause vomiting and loss of appetite, but serious poisoning is uncommon.

What part of geraniums is toxic to dogs?

All parts.

Can dogs die from eating geraniums?

It is very unlikely. Geraniums usually cause mild, short-lived signs. See a vet if signs are severe or your dog has trouble breathing or swallowing.

How long after eating geraniums will my dog show symptoms?

Usually within a few hours.

Are geraniums toxic to cats too?

Yes, geraniums are mildly toxic to cats.

Other plants toxic to dogs

Sources

Toxicity ratings follow the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant lists. Severity depends on the amount eaten, the part of the plant and your dog's size and health. When in doubt, call your vet.

Are Geraniums Toxic to Dogs?