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Pet safety

Is Lemon tree toxic to dogs?

Citrus limon

Toxic to dogs

Yes — lemon tree is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic.

What to do if your dog ate lemon tree

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move lemon tree out of reach.
  2. Note how much was eaten and when, and watch for drooling, vomiting, or lethargy.
  3. Do not induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist instructs you to.
  4. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice.
  5. Bring a leaf or photo of lemon tree to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten lemon tree, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 — do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

Is lemon tree toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is lemon tree toxic to dogs?

Yes — lemon tree is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats lemon tree?

ASPCA lists Citrus as toxic to cats, dogs, and horses due to citrus oils (limonene and linalool). Leaves and rind are most concentrated; the flesh is low-risk but acidic. Signs usually appear soon after chewing rather than hours later — watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy after your dog has had access to lemon tree.

What should I do if my dog ate lemon tree?

Stay calm. Remove any plant from your dog's mouth and take the plant away. Note how much was eaten and when, and do not induce vomiting unless told to. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 and follow their advice; a leaf or photo helps the vet treat it correctly.

Is lemon tree toxic to cats too?

The ASPCA classification Growli uses applies to both cats and dogs: Lemon tree is toxic to cats as well. See the full lemon tree pet-safety guide for both species.

What is a dog-safe alternative to lemon tree?

For a similar look without the risk, see the best dogs-safe plants list — every plant there is ASPCA non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Full lemon tree pet-safety