How Toxic Are Geraniums to Dogs?

If you suspect your dog may have come into contact with a geranium plant, immediately speak with your veterinarian.
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Geraniums are a flowering plant capable of surviving in most climates. Native to Africa, there are 300 different species of geranium plants. A common household or garden plant, geraniums cause swelling if exposed directly to the skin or illness if consumed by dogs.

Pernicious Plant

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center classifies geranium plants as not highly toxic. However, consuming the essential oil of geranium plants causes several symptoms of illness. The plants contain geraniol and linalool, which are alcohols found in the essential oil of the geranium plant. Classic signs of geranium plant poisoning include inflammation of the skin or mouth parts, vomiting, anorexia and depression.

Curing Curiosity

Geranium plants are usually not bothered by pets, since contact with the leaves creates an irritating sensation on the skin or in the mouth of your dog. This alone should be enough to keep Fido away from the plant. If not, either remove the plant from your home or put it in a place where your pooch won't be tempted to bother it.