Geraniums are delicate but stunning plants that are one of the most popular ornamental plants in the world. The sheer number of these plants grown around towns and cities can be concerning to animal owners and parents as these plants could be poisonous. So, do you need to worry about Geraniums?
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Geraniums are non-toxic to humans. They are used in many soaps and shampoos, but they are also edible and used in various dishes. Geraniums are mildly-toxic to dogs and livestock, but these plants are toxic to cats. You should keep all animals away from this plant.
Are Geraniums Poisonous To Humans?
Geranium plants are one of the most popular gardens and container plants globally, as they have colorful but delicate flowers, and they are not too big. These plants are commonly used as decorative plants in gardens or planted in hanging pots or small pots and placed on windowsills.
Geraniums are used pretty much everywhere due to the small, delicate, and gorgeous flowers that they produce.
With Geraniums being as popular as they currently are and being grown almost everywhere, you may be concerned for the health of your family and your children as we are all being subjected to this plant more regularly.
So, do you need to be worried about your family’s safety and health when it comes to the Geranium plant, or can your mind rest easy?
Geraniums are non-toxic to humans, and they have a wide variety of uses. The oil from Geranium plants is used in lice shampoos, insect repellents, soaps, and creams. Geraniums can also be eaten, as they are used as flavorings in several meals.
Geranium leaves can also be dried out and used to brew tea, or the flowers can be picked, washed, and used as an edible garnish. So, there is no need to worry about your family and children being around Geraniums as they are safe for humans.
Are Geraniums Poisonous To Dogs?
Knowing that your family will be safe if they nibble on any part of the Geranium plant is one thing, but you may also be anxious and concerned for the safety and health of your dog companion around this plant too.
Many people are just as worried about their dog’s safety around certain plants as their families, as a lot of people see their dogs as children or a part of their family. Unfortunately, with many plants in the world being poisonous to dogs, it can be difficult to determine if a plant you have in your garden or home is safe for them or not.
You need to ensure that none of these plants that are toxic to your dog are planted in your garden and that there are none on your walking route if you walk your dog daily or are used in your home in any way.
Sadly, these delicate little plants that everyone seems to love are mildly toxic to dogs. This is due to the geraniol and linalool compounds found in the Geranium plant, which dogs are sensitive to if they ingest these compounds.
If your dog consumes any part of the Geranium plant, they can suffer some uncomfortable side effects, and you should take them to the vet to be monitored closely to ensure they recover well.
Are Geraniums Poisonous To Cats?
With the large number of Geranium plants that are being grown everywhere around your home, this can cause not only dog owners to be anxious about the health of their animal but can cause cat owners to be anxious too.
Cat owners may even be more concerned for their cat’s safety and health with Geraniums as most cat owners have little to no say over where their cat travels during the day. This can also cause a problem with your cat’s eating habits too as they are wandering around.
As you do not control your cat’s whereabouts 24/7, you do not know what your cat may try to eat while on its travels. With many plants in the world being just as toxic to cats as they are dogs, the large number of Geranium plants growing around your home may have you worried for your cat’s safety, as this plant could be one of the toxic plants.
Geraniums are toxic to cats, more so than dogs, as cats are more sensitive to the geraniol and linalool compounds found in the Geranium plants. If you own a cat, you should not use Geraniums in your garden or home as they can cause some server side effects in your cat if your cat ingests the plant.
If you see your cat interacting with a Geranium plant in any way, you need to keep a close eye on your cat to see if they show any signs of Geranium poisoning. If you observe these warning signs of Geranium poisoning, take your cat to the vet immediately.
Are Geraniums Poisonous To Livestock?
There are many different animals apart from dogs and cats that animal owners will be worried about when it comes to the Geranium plant.
Many other animal owners are apprehensive about the ever-increasing number of Geranium plants being grown everywhere. People who own livestock, including chickens, cows, sheep, and goats, are just as concerned about the health and safety of their livestock when it comes to them being kept around Geranium plants.
Geraniums are mildly toxic to most animals, and you should try and stop your animals from consuming the plant. If your livestock animals eat the plant, it is unlikely to kill them, but the plant can cause some gastrointestinal discomfort among some other symptoms, so you should keep an eye on them for a day or two.
What Are The Symptoms Of Geranium Poisoning In Animals?
If your animal ingests any part of the Geranium plant, there are a few symptoms you need to watch for that could indicate Geranium poisoning, especially in cats. Here are the symptoms you need to watch for:
- Vomiting
- Contact dermatitis
- Irritation or redness around the animal’s mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- Muscle weakness
- Ataxia
- Gastrointestinal distress and pain
If any of your animals show these symptoms, you need to take them to the vet immediately to ensure they receive treatment if the symptoms are severe.
