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Peonies are mildly toxic to dogs. The plant contains paeonol, concentrated in the bark and roots, which irritates the digestive tract. A dog that chews a flower or leaf usually gets stomach upset rather than anything serious, but the roots are the part to keep dogs away from.
Check Peony for your dog
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Why Peony is dangerous
Peonies contain paeonol, an irritant most concentrated in the bark and roots. It upsets the stomach and intestines when chewed, so peony ingestion is mainly a gastrointestinal problem.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite
What to do next
Take the plant away, keep water available, and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea is repeated, roots were eaten, or your dog is small.
A nibble of flower or leaf typically causes mild, self-limiting stomach upset. Digging up and chewing the roots is the larger exposure because that is where paeonol concentrates, and small dogs react to less.
Can I treat this at home?
A small nibble in an otherwise bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available.
When should I call the vet?
Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, a dog that ate roots or a large amount, a small dog, or any lethargy or refusal to eat.
•ASPCA APCC, toxic and non-toxic plants: peony (paeonol)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical reference sources, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the Pet Poison Helpline, and the Merck Veterinary Manual. This is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for examination by your veterinarian. DogSafe's severity ratings are our own assessment, calculated from published guidance and your dog's weight. In an emergency, call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.