Is Lemongrass Safe for Dogs?

Many things grow in your garden that might leave you wondering, “Is this safe for my dog?” One popular plant is lemongrass — an herb with a lemony scent with many beneficial qualities. Used in cooking or diffused as an essential oil, lemongrass is widely used by humans, but what about dogs? The short answer is yes and no. Lemongrass is safe for dogs in certain situations. Below we cover if lemongrass is safe for dogs to ingest, smell, and touch, as well as a few benefits of the herb for our furry friends.

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is part of the Cymbopogon genus of plants in the Poaceae grass family. It has an aromatic lemon scent to its foliage, hence its name. It’s also called fever grass, barbed wire grass, citronella grass, silky heads, oily heads, and Cochin grass.

Lemongrass is used primarily for its essential oils, including citronella, which can be extracted from the plant. Citronella is one of the world’s most effective natural mosquito repellents. But lemongrass is also widely used in perfumery and cooking.

Can Dogs Eat Lemongrass?

According to the ASPCA, lemongrass is toxic to dogs due to the oils and cyanogenic glycosides in the plant. But lemongrass poisoning is very rare for dogs since they would have to ingest a large amount to trigger severe symptoms. This means growing lemongrass in your garden is fairly safe if you own a dog. It’s OK if your dog ingests a small quantity of lemongrass — they should be absolutely fine.

Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Toxic to Dogs?

As mentioned above, lemongrass is used primarily in essential oils as diffusers, sprays, or other body products. While some say it’s safe for dogs to smell lemongrass essential oils, others warn of the potential harm it can cause. Since the oil is more concentrated in a diffuser, it can be unsafe for dogs to breathe. If you’re diffusing lemongrass oil, do so far away from your dog or strictly outside just to be safe.

Are Dog Products Containing Lemongrass Safe to Use?

Concerning products containing lemongrass, such as shampoos and lotions, as long as you use the product as directed, it is perfectly safe for your pet. Remember that if your pooch licks itself and ingests a large amount of the product with lemongrass, there may be a potential for poisoning. Always use extreme caution. Lemongrass also may irritate some sensitive dogs’ skin, so watch for any signs or symptoms when using lemongrass products.

Lemongrass Poisoning Symptoms

When eaten in large quantities, lemongrass can cause various symptoms in dogs, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues: Dogs’ stomachs are not designed to digest large amounts of grass or vegetation, which means large amounts of lemongrass can cause gastrointestinal issues. These issues can include things like upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and even serious blockages that need to be treated with surgical interventions.
• Respiratory issues: In more severe cases of lemongrass poisoning, the cyanogenic glycosides in lemongrass can become cyanide, a toxic chemical that disrupts cellular respiration in dogs. Be on the lookout for signs of respiratory issues in your dog, including muscle spasms and drooling.
• Fever: Within 24 hours of ingesting large quantities of lemongrass, your dog might develop a fever.

If your pup shows signs of lemongrass poisoning, contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control.

Treating Lemongrass Poisoning in Dogs

Mild cases of poisoning have high rates of recovery in dogs. If your pup has eaten a small amount of lemongrass, there is no need to panic, but you may want to implement the following remedies to make them feel better.

• Monitor them: Keep your eyes on your dog and look out for any serious symptoms of lemongrass poisoning, including vomiting, fever, loss of appetite, and labored breathing.
• Give them water: Flush out their system by giving your dog access to fresh water. A veterinarian’s first step when treating toxicity in dogs is to give intravenous fluids, such as IVs. Hydration can dilute the toxin and prevent dehydration. 

Call your veterinarian if you believe your dog has ingested a large amount of lemongrass. More serious treatments may be necessary.

Benefits of Lemongrass for Dogs

As mentioned above, lemongrass is closely related to the citronella plant, which means it can be a great option to repel bugs, such as ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes from your pup — several natural dog shampoos and deodorants contain lemongrass for this very reason. The natural antibacterial and antifungal properties of lemongrass also make it ideal for dogs with skin issues, such as oilier skin.