Are Peonies Poisonous to Dogs? Symptoms of Dog Peony Poisoning

Even though it is an attractive plant that brings vibrant color to garden spaces, the peony can be dangerous for our pets because it contains toxins. There have been reports of cats, dogs, and horses suffering from gastrointestinal effects as a result of eating the plant. Even though the primary component, paeonol, is concentrated in the roots of the plant, gastrointestinal distress can be brought on by any part of the plant. A more serious condition, such as dehydration, may develop as a consequence of symptoms such as vomiting. In the event that your pet consumes any part of the peony plant, you should take them to the veterinarian immediately, just as you would with any other potentially poisonous plant.

The compound paeonol, which is found in peony plants, is known to be toxic to dogs and other canine animals. When a large quantity of the plant is consumed, the symptoms of gastrointestinal distress can become more severe.

Symptoms of Dog Peony Poisoning

The peony plant is regarded as one that might result in mild to major poisoning symptoms. If your pet eats any part of the peony, he can show signs of disease like the ones listed below.

• Nausea- is a common and uncomfortable sensation that can range from mild to intense. In some cases, vomiting may also occur.
• Diarrhea-This is one of the most common symptoms of peony poisoning as it can result in watery diarrhea that often lasts for several days. In severe cases, bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain may also be observed.
• Vomiting- is another common symptom of peony poisoning. In some cases, the pet may vomit up blood or unusual substances.
• Stomach Pain- This can be an intense and long-lasting pain in the stomach that often worsens as vomiting progresses.
• Drooling – This is another common symptom of peony poisoning. In some cases, the pet may drool excessively and suffer from slurred speech.
• Confusion– This can be a result of the toxic effects that peony plants have on dogs’ central nervous systems. Pets might also exhibit restlessness or difficulty concentrating.
• Lethargy- If peony poisoning is severe, a pet may become lethargic and inactive. They might also have a weak pulse and shallow breathing.
• Dehydration-If peony poisoning is severe. It can lead to dehydration. This means that the pet’s body loses fluids at a faster rate than normal and may also experience weight loss or vomiting up of fluid diarrhea.
• Depression- In severe cases, peony poisoning may result in depression or even suicidal thoughts. This is especially common in pets that have a pre-existing mental health condition.
• Collapse– Severe peony poisoning can sometimes lead to a pet collapsing and having seizures.

Causes of Dog Peony Poisoning

The consequences that the substance paeonol will have when consumed by dogs are not fully understood. The peony plant will upset your pet’s stomach if taken in large quantities, despite the fact that paeonol has pharmaceutical properties in the modern medical area and is also utilized in traditional Chinese medicine.

Peony Poisoning Diagnosis

If like many avid gardeners, you have an abundance of peony plants in your yard, you are aware that the plant tends to droop as the flowers become heavier. This places this potentially poisonous plant within reach of your pets, allowing those who prefer exploring the outdoors to sample the plant.

If your dog has access to the garden on a regular basis, he will endure gastrointestinal distress if he consumes the peony plant. If you believe that your dog has consumed your peony bush or if he appears ill after returning from the yard, a trip to the veterinarian is necessary. You may find bits of vegetation or flowers in and around your mouth; remove them before proceeding to the clinic.

Many animals that consume peonies will develop modest side effects. In most cases, pets recover from a slight digestive upset within two days, but if they consume a significant amount of peony, they may experience considerable vomiting and diarrhea. If this is the case when you take your pet to the veterinarian, the veterinary staff will run blood tests and a urinalysis to assess if your pet is becoming dehydrated as a result of gastrointestinal distress. The veterinarian may also perform an abdominal examination to ensure that no plant matter remains in the animal’s stomach.

Treatment

The veterinarian may decide to administer intravenous fluid treatment to your dog in order to restore normal electrolyte levels if the gastrointestinal distress is so severe that your pet is quite unwell. The fluids will also assist in cleansing the kidneys and liver. If there is a plant mass in the belly, intravenous medicine can be administered to assist the body in eliminating the plant matter. Additionally, antiemetics will alleviate vomiting and nausea in your dog. The majority of peony poisoning cases are, thankfully, moderate. However, elderly pets or those with underlying sickness may feel the consequences of hazardous plant intake more than a healthy young animal.

Peony Poisoning Recovery in Dogs

Once your canine partner has returned home, offer him a quiet spot to rest and plenty of water to drink. If the peony intake causes only minimal gastrointestinal distress, your dog will be back to normal in a day or two. If ingestion of the peony results in gastroenteritis-like symptoms, the veterinarian will provide dietary recommendations for the duration of the healing period.

If your dog is the sort to consume plants and flowers, you may need to enclose the space surrounding your peony. Some pet owners plant veterinary-approved grasses in a safe section of the yard, away from the garden, to provide grazing opportunities for their animal companions. In certain circumstances, grasses should be grown in indoor containers, and the dog should be educated to eat only from this area, not outside.

Peony Types to Avoid

Paeonia officinalis is the scientific name for the peony, which is classified as a member of the Paeoniaceae family of plants. Peonies are typically found growing as large bushes in gardens, but due to their resilience and ability to survive in the wild for decades, peonies have also been spotted in the wild. In addition to this, the plant can take the form of trees. This flowering perennial is available in a wide variety of forms and hues:

• Paeonia officinalis Rosea Plena (pink in color)
• Paeonia officinalis Alba Plena (white in color)
• Paeonia officinalis Rubra Plena (red in color)