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Pet safety

Is Spike lavender toxic to dogs?

Lavandula latifolia

Mildly toxic to dogs

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spike lavender as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. This classification follows the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List. ASPCA lists Lavandula species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to linalool and linalyl acetate (essential oil components). Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. Topical essential oil exposure can be more serious for cats than nibbling the foliage.

What to do if your dog ate spike lavender

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

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

Is spike lavender toxic to dogs? — FAQ

Is spike lavender toxic to dogs?

Mildly. The ASPCA lists spike lavender as mildly toxic to dogs — a chewing dog typically gets mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting rather than a medical emergency, but it is still best kept out of reach. ASPCA lists Lavandula species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to linalool and linalyl acetate (essential oil components). Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. Topical essential oil exposure can be more serious for cats than nibbling the foliage.

What are the symptoms if a dog eats spike lavender?

ASPCA lists Lavandula species as mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to linalool and linalyl acetate (essential oil components). Ingestion may cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. Topical essential oil exposure can be more serious for cats than nibbling the foliage. 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 spike lavender.

What should I do if my dog ate spike lavender?

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 spike lavender toxic to cats too?

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

What is a dog-safe alternative to spike lavender?

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 spike lavender pet-safety