Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Geranium Aralia - what should I do?
Polyscias guilfoylei
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
Oral irritation, intense drooling, vomiting, and potential gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
Symptoms are generally localized to the mouth and digestive tract. Consult your veterinarian for guidance if ingestion is suspected.
What to watch for
Watch for vomiting (most common), reduced appetite, low energy, and skin redness or itching where leaves or sap touched the dog. Diarrhea may follow. The taste is unpleasant enough that most dogs stop on their own, but puppies and chewers may go back for more.
Time window
ASPCA does not give a specific time window. Saponin-related GI signs in dogs typically begin within a few hours and resolve in 24–48 hours with supportive care.
When to call the vet
Call your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) if vomiting is repeated, if appetite has not returned within 24 hours, if your dog seems lethargic beyond a brief stomach upset, or if a small-breed dog or puppy has eaten more than a leaf or two.
What this means for your dog
Dogs: geranium aralia (sold as coffee tree) is toxic, but signs are usually limited to the mouth and digestive tract. ASPCA identifies saponin as the toxic principle and lists vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, and contact dermatitis among the clinical signs. A dog that chews a leaf typically gets an irritated mouth and a queasy stomach for a day or two.
Sources: ASPCA (no specific first-aid guidance).
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.