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Pet safety

Is Lemongrass toxic to dogs?

Cymbopogon citratus

Toxic to dogs

Yes — lemongrass 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 Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated.

What to do if your dog ate lemongrass

  1. Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and move lemongrass 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 lemongrass to the appointment so it can be treated correctly.

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

Is lemongrass toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is lemongrass toxic to dogs?

Yes — lemongrass is toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA. Keep it well away from any dog that chews plants; reactions can be significant. ASPCA lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats lemongrass?

ASPCA lists Cymbopogon citratus as toxic to cats and dogs due to essential oils (citral and geraniol). Large amounts cause vomiting and depression; small culinary uses are tolerated. 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 lemongrass.

What should I do if my dog ate lemongrass?

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 lemongrass toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to lemongrass?

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 lemongrass pet-safety