Is Lemon verbena toxic to dogs?

Yes — lemon verbena is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. The ASPCA lists Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla, a synonym of A. citrodora) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses — the toxic principle is its essential oils, with stomach upset and colic as the reported clinical signs. The ASPCA notes small culinary or flavouring amounts are not a concern; the risk is a pet chewing the plant itself. If your pet has eaten lemon verbena foliage, call your vet or the ASPCA APCC on (888) 426-4435. Checked against the ASPCA listing 2026-07-30.

The ASPCA lists Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla, a synonym of A. citrodora) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses — the toxic principle is its essential oils, with stomach upset and colic as the reported clinical signs. The ASPCA notes small culinary or flavouring amounts are not a concern; the risk is a pet chewing the plant itself. If your pet has eaten lemon verbena foliage, call your vet or the ASPCA APCC on (888) 426-4435. Checked against the ASPCA listing 2026-07-30. 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 verbena.

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.

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

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.