Pet emergency
My dog ate French Lavender — what to do
Step by step
- Take french lavender away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate french lavender — FAQ
Is french lavender poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists French Lavender (Lavandula dentata) as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to linalool and linalyl acetate, with signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Lavandula dentata is the same aromatic genus and shares these compounds, so it is treated as toxic; nibbling the plant usually causes mild GI upset, while concentrated lavender essential oil is more hazardous, especially to cats.
How serious is it if my dog ate french lavender?
French Lavender is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. The ASPCA lists Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to linalool and linalyl acetate, with signs of nausea, vomiting (not in horses), and loss of appetite. Lavandula dentata is the same aromatic genus and shares these compounds, so it is treated as toxic; nibbling the plant usually causes mild GI upset, while concentrated lavender essential oil is more hazardous, especially to cats. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep french lavender well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is french lavender toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- French Lavender and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide