Geranium Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 4,851 found this helpful

Pelargonium species

Geranium (Pelargonium species) is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per official ASPCA toxicology data

Its toxic effects are driven by the irritant active compounds geraniol and linalool

Exposure may cause gastrointestinal distress, appetite loss, lethargy, or contact dermatitis in susceptible animals

FAQ

Is Geranium toxic to Humans?

Mild skin irritation or minor gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested; generally low risk for healthy adult humans (Low)

Is Geranium toxic to Cats?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis (Low)

Is Geranium toxic to Dogs?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis (Low)

Is Geranium toxic to Horses?

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis (Low)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Mild skin irritation or minor gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested; generally low risk for healthy adult humans

Cats

Low

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis

Dogs

Low

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis

Horses

Low

Vomiting, anorexia, depression, contact dermatitis

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll above-ground plant parts, particularly leaves and stems

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material, direct skin contact with plant sap or tissues

Toxic CompoundsGeraniol; Linalool

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Remove any remaining geranium plant material from the animal's mouth or skin immediately
• Rinse affected skin with cool, soapy water if contact dermatitis is suspected
• Do not induce vomiting unless explicitly instructed by a veterinary professional

Contact Vet Immediately

• If your pet or horse has ingested any quantity of geranium plant material
• If you observe vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, or skin rash after exposure
• If symptoms persist or worsen after initial first aid steps

Prevention

• Keep potted geraniums out of reach of cats, dogs, and grazing horses
• Label garden geranium plants clearly to avoid accidental exposure to foraging animals
• Check garden and pasture areas regularly for escaped geranium growth if you keep susceptible animals

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinary care may include gastric decontamination for recent large ingestions
• Symptomatic care includes anti-emetics for vomiting, antihistamines or topical creams for dermatitis
• Supportive fluid therapy may be administered if dehydration occurs from prolonged vomiting

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NamePelargonium species

AliasesNumerous cultivated cultivars

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsLow

DogsLow

HorsesLow

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractSkinCentral nervous system (mild depressive effects)

Mechanism of Action

• The terpenoid compounds geraniol and linalool irritate mucosal membranes and skin, causing gastrointestinal inflammation, discomfort, and dermatitis on exposure

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small companion mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): At risk of gastrointestinal upset and skin irritation following exposure, similar to cats and dogs

Ruminant livestock (cattle, sheep, goats): Low risk of toxicity under normal grazing conditions, large ingestions may cause mild digestive distress

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Wild Geranium (Cranesbill) Geranium maculatum

Frequently confused with cultivated Pelargonium geraniums as both share the common name 'geranium'; wild cranesbill is largely non-toxic, while Pelargonium species carry confirmed toxicity risks for companion animals and horses

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Related Toxic Plants

Common Stork's Bill

Erodium cicutarium

Low toxicity

Herb Robert

Geranium robertianum

Low to moderate toxicity

California Geranium

Geranium californicum

Low toxicity

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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