Cut flower
Is Carnation toxic to cats and dogs?
Dianthus caryophyllus · also called Pinks, sweet william, clove pink
Cats
Mildly toxicDogs
Mildly toxicCarnations are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Eating them may cause a mild stomach upset, and handling the sap can irritate the skin.
By Maya HartIf your pet chewed it
- Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink.
- Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
Signs to watch for
- Mild vomiting and diarrhoea
- Skin irritation
What is harmful
- Parts
- Leaves, stems and flowers
- Substance
- Unknown irritant compounds (possibly saponins)
The details
Carnations are a staple of bouquets and buttonholes. Poisoning is mild, but the bigger concern is often what they are arranged with: lilies, which are deadly to cats, regularly appear in mixed bouquets. Check every stem before a bouquet comes into a cat home.
Pet-safe alternatives
- Roses
- Sunflowers
- Gerbera daisies
- Orchids
Questions owners ask
Is Carnation toxic to cats?
Yes — mildly toxic to cats. Harmful parts: leaves, stems and flowers.
Is Carnation toxic to dogs?
Yes — mildly toxic to dogs. Harmful parts: leaves, stems and flowers.
What happens if a pet eats carnation?
mild vomiting and diarrhoea, skin irritation.
What should I do if my pet chewed it?
Rinse your pet’s mouth with water and offer a drink. Most pets recover within a few hours; call your vet if drooling, vomiting or pawing at the mouth continues.
What are pet-safe alternatives to carnation?
Roses, Sunflowers, Gerbera daisies, Orchids.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
