🐾 PawSafe Check

Is Peony Toxic to Pets?

Yes — peony is mildly toxic to cats. Yes — peony is mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — peony is mildly toxic to horses.

CatsMildly toxicIs peony toxic to cats? →DogsMildly toxicIs peony toxic to dogs? →HorsesMildly toxicIs peony toxic to horses? →

PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.

Scientific name
Paeonia officinalis
Toxic compound
Paeonol
Toxic parts
Bark and roots (most), all parts
Also known as
paeonia

Symptoms

Cats (mildly toxic)

  • Mild vomiting
  • Soft stool or diarrhea

Dogs (mildly toxic)

  • Mild vomiting
  • Soft stool or diarrhea

Horses (mildly toxic)

  • Mild vomiting
  • Soft stool or diarrhea

What to do

If your cat ate peony

  • Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.

If your dog ate peony

  • Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.

If your horse ate peony

  • Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
  • Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
  • Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.

Good to know

Peonies cause mild vomiting and diarrhea when eaten in quantity.

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Pet-safe alternatives

Frequently asked questions

Is peony toxic to cats?

Yes — peony is mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.

Is peony toxic to dogs?

Yes — peony is mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.

Is peony toxic to horses?

Yes — peony is mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include mild vomiting, soft stool or diarrhea.

Which parts of peony are toxic?

Bark and roots (most), all parts.

What makes peony toxic?

Paeonol.

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