Is Geranium toxic to dogs?
Geranium (Pelargonium) is an irritant to dogs (S2 Irritant): its geraniol and linalool can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and skin irritation — signs Pet Poison Helpline describes as usually mild and temporary.
- TOXINgeraniol, linalool
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; anorexia (decreased appetite)
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, your dog stops eating, or a skin reaction spreads.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| anorexia (decreased appetite) |
| depression / lethargy |
| dermatitis (skin irritation on contact) |
If your dog just ate it
Same tabletop look, minus the risk
2 tabletop plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Are geraniums toxic to dogs as well as cats?
Yes, with the same record. The ASPCA lists Pelargonium as "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses," with the same toxic principles, geraniol and linalool, and the same signs: "Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis." Pet Poison Helpline's entry speaks of pets generally and says "Symptoms are usually mild and temporary." Dogs are more likely than cats to dig up and chew a bedding geranium, so the garden is where this usually happens. The grade is S2 Irritant on our geranium page for dogs. Move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, or irritated skin; if signs persist, call your vet.
Do scented geraniums and ivy geraniums count as the same plant?
Yes — on the record we transcribe, they fall under the same verdict. Pet Poison Helpline's geranium entry is for Pelargonium and lists "Scented geranium, Ivy geranium" as alternate names; the ASPCA entry covers Pelargonium species with "Many cultivars." The toxic principles are the same across them: geraniol and linalool, which the ASPCA associates with "Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis." Pet Poison Helpline adds that "Symptoms are usually mild and temporary." If your cat has chewed any of them, move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, low energy, or irritated skin; call your vet if signs persist or worsen.
What happens if my cat eats a geranium?
Usually a stomach upset, sometimes a skin reaction, and on this record it passes. The ASPCA lists the signs as "Vomiting, anorexia, depression, dermatitis," caused by geraniol and linalool, the plant's essential oils; Pet Poison Helpline adds diarrhea and lethargy and says "Symptoms are usually mild and temporary." The dermatitis is why the plant grades S2 Irritant rather than S1: the oils can irritate skin on contact, not only the gut. Move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, loss of appetite, or irritated skin where the plant touched. If signs persist or worsen, call your vet.