Pet safety
Is Lemon Basil toxic to dogs?
Ocimum × africanum 'Mrs. Burns'
No — lemon basil is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists basil (Ocimum basilicum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Lemon basil is an interspecific Ocimum hybrid (O. × africanum) with no reported toxic principle, so it is treated as pet-safe; large quantities can still cause mild GI upset.
Is lemon basil toxic to dogs? — FAQ
Is lemon basil toxic to dogs?
No — lemon basil is listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs. It is a sensible choice for a home with a dog; a curious nibble will not poison them, though no plant is meant to be eaten. ASPCA lists basil (Ocimum basilicum) as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Lemon basil is an interspecific Ocimum hybrid (O. × africanum) with no reported toxic principle, so it is treated as pet-safe; large quantities can still cause mild GI upset.
Is lemon basil safe for dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists lemon basil as non-toxic to dogs and dogs. A dog that chews a large amount of any foliage can still get a mild, brief stomach upset, so discourage grazing, but it will not be poisoned.
Is lemon basil toxic to cats too?
The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lemon Basil is non-toxic to cats as well. See the full lemon basil pet-safety guide for both species.
What other plants are safe for dogs?
Reliable ASPCA non-toxic picks for a dog home include spider plant, calathea, parlor palm, peperomia, and most true ferns. Browse the best dogs-safe plants list to check more before you buy.
Full lemon basil pet-safety
- Is lemon basil toxic to cats and dogs? — the full guide for both pets
- Is lemon basil toxic to cats?
- Best dogs-safe plants — the full ASPCA non-toxic list
- Complete lemon basil care guide