PlantFunPeony Toxic?
Peony is verified toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology data
The primary active toxic principle in peony plant tissue is the compound paeonol
Ingestion of peony typically triggers vomiting, diarrhea, and depressive behavior in affected animals
FAQ
Is Peony toxic to Humans?
No formal ASPCA-reported human toxicity under standard exposure; large intentional ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal distress (Non-toxic)
Is Peony toxic to Cats?
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and lethargy (Low)
Is Peony toxic to Dogs?
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and lethargy (Low)
Is Peony toxic to Horses?
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and reduced activity (Low)
Toxicity Details
No formal ASPCA-reported human toxicity under standard exposure; large intentional ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal distress
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and lethargy
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and lethargy
Vomiting, diarrhea, general depression and reduced activity
Toxicity Snapshot
First Aid & Prevention
First 30 Minutes
- • Remove all remaining peony material from the exposed animal's mouth and rinse oral cavity with clean cool water
- • Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed to do so by a licensed veterinary professional
- • Closely monitor the animal for the onset of vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual lethargy in the first hour post-exposure
Contact Vet Immediately
- • The animal has ingested more than one small bite of peony plant tissue
- • Any clinical signs including vomiting, diarrhea, or depression develop after exposure
- • The exposed animal is juvenile, senior, or has pre-existing gastrointestinal or neurological health conditions
Prevention
- • Keep potted peony plants and cut peony floral arrangements out of reach of cats, dogs, and other companion animals
- • Clear wild or cultivated peony growth from horse pastures and grazing areas for livestock
- • Educate household members and pet sitters to recognize peony plants and avoid feeding them to animals
Treatment & Prognosis
- • Veterinary administration of activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed paeonol in the digestive tract
- • Supportive fluid therapy to correct dehydration caused by prolonged vomiting and diarrhea
- • Symptomatic management of lethargy and depressive symptoms under professional veterinary supervision
Professional Toxicology
• Paeonol irritates the gastrointestinal mucosal lining, leading to vomiting and diarrhea
• Paeonol exerts mild depressant effects on the central nervous system of susceptible animal species
Information from CliniTox veterinary text.
The following plants look similar and may be confused:
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Data Sources
This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.