Geraniums (Pelargonium species) are considered toxic to dogs. Ingestion or even contact can cause irritation and a range of symptoms, and the level of danger often depends on the amount consumed and whether the plant parts or concentrated oils are involved. Key points to know

• What’s toxic: All parts of the plant contain compounds such as geraniol and linalool that can irritate skin, eyes, and the digestive tract. The oils are more concentrated and can be more hazardous if ingested or absorbed.

• Common symptoms: Vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy, skin irritation or dermatitis at contact sites, and in some cases more systemic signs if a lot is ingested. Eye irritation can occur with contact.

• Variants and risk: Some sources distinguish between scented (Pelargonium) geraniums and hardy or non-scented varieties; generally, the toxic components are present in many garden geraniums, but the degree of risk can vary. Always treat as potentially harmful and avoid allowing dogs to chew or ingest.

• What to do if exposure occurs: If your dog ingests any part of a geranium or shows symptoms, contact your veterinarian promptly. For oil exposure or significant ingestion, emergency veterinary care may be warranted.

Practical guidance

• Prevent access: Keep geraniums out of reach or in areas inaccessible to dogs, especially if your dog is curious or prone to chewing plants.

• Monitor and seek care: Watch for vomiting, decreased appetite, lethargy, skin or muzzle irritation, or any unusual behavior. If symptoms occur, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control line for guidance.

• Alternatives and safety: If a dog-friendly garden is desired, consider non-toxic plants or species explicitly labeled safe for dogs. Some hardy cranesbills, for example, are noted differently across sources; verify each plant’s safety for your specific dog and region.

If you’d like, I can tailor safety steps to your household (dog’s size, supervision patterns, and the specific geranium variety you have) and suggest pet-safe landscaping options.