Is Peony Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Paeonis officinalis
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Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | Yes |
| Toxic component | Paeonol |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | outdoor |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
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Symptoms in dogs
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
Symptoms in cats
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
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What to do
Usually resolves with monitoring; the bark and root are somewhat more concentrated in toxins than the flowers.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Peony is paeonol.
What makes this plant different
Peony's showy, often fragrant blooms are a garden favorite, and while the whole plant carries mild toxicity, the bark and root (rarely encountered by pets under normal circumstances) are somewhat more concentrated than the flowers people usually interact with.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Paeonis officinalis
- Family
- Paeniaceae
- Also known as
- Peony
- Typically found
- outdoor
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Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control