Pet emergency
My dog ate Lisbon Lemon — what to do
Step by step
- Take lisbon lemon 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 lisbon lemon — FAQ
Is lisbon lemon poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Lisbon Lemon (Citrus limon 'Lisbon') as toxic to dogs. The ASPCA lists lemon (Citrus limon) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, most concentrated in the leaves, peel and stems. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and photosensitive dermatitis; keep the foliage and peel away from pets.
How serious is it if my dog ate lisbon lemon?
Lisbon Lemon 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 lemon (Citrus limon) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The toxic principles are essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens, most concentrated in the leaves, peel and stems. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, depression and photosensitive dermatitis; keep the foliage and peel away from pets. 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 lisbon lemon well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is lisbon lemon toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Lisbon Lemon and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide