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.
Call a vet or poison control now. Do not wait for symptoms.
ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661. A consultation fee may apply.
Source-backed guidance. Not individualized veterinary advice.(more)
Compiled from veterinary poison-control and medical references, including the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline, and Merck Veterinary Manual.
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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.
Part of the Tulip guide
For related dog-safety questions and product-by-product answers, see the complete tulip guide.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite
Related items
Check the exact item or ingredient before assuming two similar exposures carry the same risk.
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.
🚨Step-by-step: what to do in the first 10 minutes →Available 24/7. A consultation fee may apply.
A closer look at peony
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. The details below use the specific facts for this exposure, rather than treating it like every other plant question.
1. Start with the exact exposure
For a closely related comparison, read Iris. 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.
2. Use the facts to decide whether to monitor or call
Another helpful reference is Marigold. A small nibble in an otherwise bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available. Repeated vomiting or diarrhea, a dog that ate roots or a large amount, a small dog, or any lethargy or refusal to eat.
3. If the details are uncertain
Follow the first 10 minutes guide. 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.
FAQ
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.
A small nibble in an otherwise bright dog can usually be watched at home with water available.
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)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: toxic and non-toxic plants
- Merck Veterinary Manual: overview of household hazard toxicoses in animals