Are geraniums poisonous to dogs?

Updated 04/07/2023

Blooming their glorious colors from spring until fall, it’s no wonder many a backyard is scattered with geranium plants. But, while a colorful garden is a plus, is it actually safe for families with dogs? Are geraniums poisonous to dogs or are they OK to plant around your garden? Let’s find out.

Can dogs eat geraniums?

Are geraniums toxic to dogs or can dogs chow down on this well-loved vibrant flower? It’s a hard no on this one, unfortunately! All parts of the geranium plant are mildly toxic to dogs, so no matter how curious or peckish, your pooch shouldn’t be snacking on them. Components in the plant can be irritating to the skin, causing inflammation and allergic reactions. It can also harm the eyes if contact occurs. It goes without saying then that ingesting any part of the plant is seriously off-limits for our furry friends. 

If you’re worried their curiosity may have taken over and a few geranium heads are missing from your flower bed, watch out for symptoms like vomiting, reduced appetite, rashes, lethargy, and depression. Sadly, if your pup is prone to nibbling on things they shouldn’t, a low-down flower bed probably isn’t a good idea. Instead, why not opt for a hanging basket so that you can still enjoy the blooms from spring through fall while keeping your pooch safe and out of harm’s way?

It’s also worth discussing geranium oil. That’s even more toxic for dogs than the plant due to its higher concentration, so be sure to store it on a high shelf out of paws reach!

Geranium poisoning in dogs

Symptoms

If you’re concerned your pup has munched on your geranium plant, there are a few symptoms you can look out for. These are usually mild and temporary, but you should contact your vet if you are worried.

• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite
• Depression
• Red and irritated skin around contact areas, including the mouth and muzzle

Diagnosis

If you are worried that your pooch has eaten a geranium plant, contact your veterinarian for advice. They’ll be able to assess your pup’s symptoms based on the amount of geranium consumed and whether it was the plant or oil that took your pup’s fancy. Keep a keen eye on your dog’s symptoms and take a look around their body for any rashes or irritation that could be a tell-tale sign they were amongst your flower bed. If you think your pooch has lapped up geranium oil, this should be treated as an emergency, as the high concentration can be toxic for dogs.

Treatment

If your pooch has ingested only a small amount of a geranium plant, they may not need any treatment from a vet (particularly if symptoms are incredibly mild or not present at all). At home, you can help by gently cleaning the area that’s touched the plant and removing any parts of the plant from your dog’s mouth. However, if a large amount of the stuff was ingested, you’ll need to take your pup to the vet where they may induce vomiting.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

Other plants that are poisonous to dogs

There are a fair few plants that are poisonous to dogs yet common in a human household and garden. Here are a few more to watch out for…

• Poinsettia
• Aloe vera
• Wisteria
• Tulips