Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Geranium - what should I do?
Pelargonium species
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, anorexia, depression, and skin irritation.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally mild to moderate but can cause significant discomfort. Always consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed this plant.
What to watch for
Vomiting, loss of appetite, and depression (low energy, withdrawal) top the list. Skin signs are also common — redness, itching, or hives where the plant contacted skin or where the dog groomed sap off. Drooling and mild diarrhea may follow.
Time window
Exact timing is not well documented. GI signs in dogs from essential-oil-containing plants usually begin within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours; skin irritation may persist a few days longer.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting is repeated, if appetite hasn't returned in 24 hours, if skin lesions worsen or spread, or if a small dog or puppy has eaten more than a leaf or two. Exposure to geranium essential oil (not just the plant) should prompt a same-day call.
What this means for your dog
Dogs: geranium (Pelargonium) is toxic but typically mild. ASPCA lists the toxic principles as the essential oils geraniol and linalool. A dog who chews a leaf or rubs against the plant usually ends up with a mildly upset stomach or skin irritation rather than serious illness, but undiluted geranium essential oil is much more concentrated than the plant and should be treated more cautiously.
Sources: ASPCA (no specific first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.