Whatever the season, all sorts of flowers, plants and foliage grow and bloom. Here are just some of the common ones that are toxic to dogs.
Whatever the season, from the heatwaves of summer, the cooler months of autumn, to the promises of snow in winter and the showers of spring, all sorts of flowers, plants and foliage grow and bloom.
While you might take certain steps to avoid planting any toxic flowers in the garden there are also dangers that you might come across on your daily dog walks.
Peonies are a popular and beautiful flowering plant, known for their lush, full blooms in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. However, peonies can pose a danger to dogs if ingested. In this article, we’ll explore whether peonies are toxic to dogs, what makes them dangerous, symptoms of peony poisoning, and how to keep your pup safe.
Are Peonies Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, peonies contain substances that can cause toxicity if ingested by dogs. Specifically, peonies contain compounds called glycosides, including paeoniflorin and oxypaeoniflorin, as well as paeonol. These compounds can be irritating to dogs’ digestive systems if enough peony plant material is consumed.
So while a small taste or lick of a peony likely won’t harm your dog, ingesting larger amounts can potentially lead to poisoning. The roots, leaves, flowers and buds of peonies all contain the toxic compounds.
What Parts of Peonies are Poisonous to Dogs?
All parts of peonies contain toxins that are poisonous to dogs, including:
- Leaves
- Stems
- Flowers
- Buds
- Roots
The highest concentration of toxins is found in the roots and buds. However, even small amounts of the leaves, stems and flowers can cause issues if enough is ingested.
What Makes Peonies Toxic to Dogs?
Peonies contain compounds called glycosides, including paeoniflorin and oxypaeoniflorin. These substances can be irritating to dogs’ digestive systems.
Peonies also contain paeonol, a compound that acts as an anti-inflammatory but can also cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs if too much is consumed.
So while small exposure to peonies is not necessarily toxic, larger ingestion of the compounds in peony plants can lead to irritation gastrointestinal upset, vomiting diarrhea and other symptoms of toxicity.
Symptoms of Peony Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog eats a substantial amount of any part of a peony plant. watch for these signs of poisoning
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes containing blood
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
In severe cases, ingestion of large quantities of peonies could potentially lead to:
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Coma
However, most cases of peony poisoning result in gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. If you believe your dog has eaten peonies, contact your veterinarian or pet poison control right away, even if symptoms have not yet appeared
How Much Peony is Toxic to Dogs?
The amount of peony plant material needed to make a dog sick varies widely based on the size and health status of the dog. Studies have not defined a clear toxic dose for dogs.
However, even a few mouthfuls of leaves, petals or other peony parts could potentially irritate a dog’s stomach and digestive tract. The highest toxin concentrations are in the roots and buds. As little as 0.5% of a dog’s body weight of peony root could potentially cause poisoning.
Puppies, smaller dogs, and dogs with underlying health conditions are likely to experience symptoms after ingesting less plant matter than a healthy large breed dog.
Are Some Dog Breeds More Sensitive to Peonies?
Small dogs and puppies are generally more sensitive to lower doses of toxins than larger, adult dogs. Breeds that weigh less than 20 pounds, like Chihuahuas, tend to react after ingesting smaller amounts.
Brachycephalic breeds with short muzzles and small mouths like Pugs, French Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus also tend to be more sensitive to irritants. These breeds’ compressed airways and difficulty swallowing increases their risk for throat irritation and breathing issues if they chew or ingest peony plant material.
How to Keep Dogs Safe From Peonies
While peonies are potentially toxic, there are steps you can take to grow these beautiful flowers safely when you have dogs:
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Plant peonies far away from areas your dog frequents. Place them out of reach, such as in planters or in fenced garden beds.
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Avoid planting peonies in open yards where dogs play and relieve themselves. Opt for non-toxic alternatives.
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Monitor dogs closely when peonies are in bloom. Don’t leave dogs unattended near peonies.
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Remove dropped petals, dead foliage, and uprooted plants promptly.
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Train dogs to avoid peonies with a “leave it” command if they show interest.
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Consider muzzling dogs when around peonies if they try to eat plants.
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Fence off peony beds to prevent access. Use temporary fencing if needed when plants are flowering.
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Remove peony plants entirely if dogs are extremely interested and cannot be deterred.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats a Peony
If you catch your dog ingesting any part of a peony plant, or notice chewed leaves, flowers or dug up roots, take action right away:
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Consult your veterinarian or pet poison control hotline immediately.
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Do not induce vomiting unless specifically instructed to do so, as this can cause further irritation.
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Bring a sample of the peony plant and note which parts were ingested.
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Monitor for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling and abdominal pain.
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Follow vet recommendations, which may include inducing vomiting, giving activated charcoal to absorb toxins, or providing IV fluids.
With prompt veterinary treatment, most dogs recover fully from peony poisoning. However, left untreated, toxic doses can be fatal. So act fast if you suspect peony ingestion.
Are Peonies the Only Toxic Flowers for Dogs?
No, peonies are not the only potentially poisonous flowers for dogs. Many popular blooms contain irritants that can cause toxicity. Some other flowers toxic to dogs include:
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Hydrangeas
- Chrysanthemums
- Morning glories
- Foxgloves
- Amaryllis
- Dahlias
- Poinsettias
- Lilies (extremely toxic!)
It’s important to research all plants and flowers you grow around dogs. Consider avoiding toxic varieties and opting for pet-safe flowers whenever possible.
Safe Alternatives to Peonies for Dogs
If you’re looking for non-toxic flower options to grow around dogs, some dog-friendly choices include:
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Marigolds
- Petunias
- Zinnias
- Asters
- Snapdragons
- Pansies
- Impatiens
- Begonias
- Geraniums
- Fuschia
These plants are not known to pose a poisoning risk for dogs and make good alternatives to peonies. However, supervise dogs around any outdoor plants and remove any dropped leaves, petals or vegetation.
Key Takeaways on Peonies and Dogs
- All parts of peonies, especially the roots and buds, contain irritants toxic to dogs
- Ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues
- Small dogs and puppies are especially sensitive
- Peonies should be planted out of reach of dogs and monitored closely
- Immediately contact your vet if ingestion is suspected
- Consider non-toxic flowers like roses, marigolds and zinnias for dog areas
While peonies are potentially poisonous, following basic safety precautions can allow you to enjoy these beautiful blooms while keeping your dog safe. With vigilance and prompt action if ingestion occurs, peonies don’t have to be a threat.
What plants are poisonous?
While not all ferns pose a risk to dogs, bracken can cause several health issues so make sure these plants are avoided on your walks.
Certain toxins in ivy can lead to health issues or skin reactions, depending on the dog’s contact with the plant.
You might come across foxglove on your walk or have it blooming in your garden, whatever the case care should be taken with the trumpet-like blossoms as the entire plant is toxic if ingested.
Unripe, green and raw potatoes pose a danger to dogs, but a potato plant’s leaves are also toxic, so make sure your dog doesn’t get his gnashers on some potato leaves if you’re a keen gardener or you pass a farmer’s field on a walk.
Aloe Vera is a popular plant to have in a house but make sure they’re kept out of your dog’s reach as the plant contains a chemical called saponin which is toxic to both animals and children.
We all love conkers, a true sign that autumn has well and truly arrived, but they are highly poisonous to dogs if chewed and eaten. This is because conkers contain a chemical called aesculin.
Apples make great treats while helping keep your dog’s teeth clean but it’s important to remove the core and the seeds before giving it to your dog as they contain a small amount of cyanide.
Just like apple seeds, cherry seeds and leaves contain cyanide and can also obstruct the gastrointestinal tract if eaten so cherries are a no go for our canine friends.
Acorns contain tannic acid which can cause damage to a dog’s liver and kidneys but just like cherry seeds they can also cause intestinal blockages so keep a close eye on your dog on those autumn walks.
You might want to avoid using holly as decoration at Christmas as the berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in your dog while the leaves may cause some physical damage if eaten.
What flowers are poisonous to dogs?
With at least 25 different daffodils and thousands of hybrids, you’re bound to come across these flowers in Spring, and it’s important to make sure your dog doesn’t get the opportunity to chew it, or the bulb. Daffodils contain alkaloids and glycosides, which are toxic to dogs.
While you don’t usually find this yellow weed in gardens you’ve probably come across it on your dog walks through local fields or parks. Like daffodils, it contains toxic alkaloids.
A popular vase filler in houses, lilies are toxic to dogs, some more than others. It’s best not to have these growing in the garden or sitting on the windowsill just to be on the safe side and to avoid any accidental consumption by your dog.
A flower that’s popular in spring, tulips contain glycosides which can lead to several health issues in your dog.
As beautiful as they may be, the peony plant contains paeonol, which is toxic to dogs and can cause illness if ingested.
Hyacinths make an appearance in gardens or as potted plants indoors but can cause health issues in both dogs and humans! It’s best to keep your dog away from this flower and its bulbs as they contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals which can cause some serious health issues if ingested but the plant can also cause symptoms if inhaled, too.
Peony Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
FAQ
What happens if my dog eats peony?
Toxicity to pets
Peony, an early spring blooming shrub, has beautiful, large, colorful flowers (e.g., pink, white, red, etc.). This plant contains the toxin, paeonol, which is concentrated in the bark. When ingested in large amounts, it can cause gastrointestinal distress (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, etc.).
What is the most poisonous flower to dogs?
- Tulip.
- Lily of the Valley.
- Oleander.
- Philodendron.
- Rhododendron.
- Dieffenbachia.
- Japanese Yew.
- Cyclamen.
Are peony petals poisonous?
The toxic substance in Peonies is paeonol, and is found primarily in the roots of a Peony plant, but can also be present in the flower petals, bark, and stems, and can cause digestive upset to dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
Are tree peonies safe for dogs?
Toxicity of Tree Peonies to Dogs
Tree peonies are considered toxic to dogs and can lead to serious health issues if ingested. It’s crucial for pet owners to be aware of this risk, especially if these beautiful plants are present in their gardens.
Is peony poisonous to pets?
A number of factors (amount of substance ingested, size of the animal, allergies, etc.) determine what is toxic to a particular pet. If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment. Peony Are Toxic To Pets.
Is it safe for dogs to consume onions?
No, dogs should never eat onions because they contain N-propyl disulfide, which can harm red blood cells and cause anemia. Even a small amount can be harmful, and symptoms of onion poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, increased thirst, rapid breathing, weakness, and jaundice.
Do peonies irritate dogs?
Peonies can cause skin irritation if your pup comes into contact with them. This is because the flowers contain a sap-like substance that can irritate your pups skin and cause itching and reddening. If your pup happens to touch a peony, you can bathe them with mild soap and water to help soothe the irritation.
What if my pet eats peony?
If you think your pet has eaten something potentially toxic, call Pet Poison Helpline or seek immediate veterinary treatment. Peony Are Toxic To Pets. This plant contains the toxin, paeonol, which is concentrated in the bark. When ingested in large amounts can cause gastro distress.
Are peonies toxic?
In terms of the toxic properties of peonies, the plant does contain some toxic compounds, such as saponins, tannins, and alkaloids. However, the amount of these compounds in the plant is very small, and it would take a very large ingestion for it to cause any harm.
Are peonies pet friendly?
Many cultivars exist, allowing you to easily match your gardening theme. But the question remains if peonies are pet friendly. Sadly, the peony plant is toxic to dogs and cats. The toxin is mainly in the plant’s roots, but it can also be found in petals and stems, making it virtually unavoidable if your pup chews on it.