Is Lemongrass Safe for Dogs? Side Effects of Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus) is a fragrant herb common in Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, East Indian, and West Indian dishes. It has a citrus flavor with notes of ginger, making it a staple ingredient in stir-fries, soups, and curries. Like citronella oil, lemongrass oil also has medicinal and cosmetic purposes, as its fresh, lemony scent is a base for soaps, perfumes, insect repellent, and aromatherapy.

The lemongrass plant is a tropical perennial native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa. Its red stem grows green stalks that shield the inner white core—the main part of the plant people use in cooking. It’s possible to brew both fresh and dry lemongrass leaves for a citrusy herbal tea.

Lemongrass is toxic to dogs due to the cyanogenic glycosides and oils in the plant. Lemongrass poisoning, however, is rare in canines since dogs must ingest large quantities of the plant to trigger severe symptoms. Lemongrass essential oil (such as might be in diffusers, sprays, or body products) is more harmful than the plant itself since the oil is more concentrated. Lemongrass oil can irritate your dog’s skin and become toxic if they ingest it.

Mild symptoms, such as an upset stomach, might occur if your dog eats small quantities of lemongrass. Often the symptoms dogs experience after eating the lemongrass plant are due to pesticides on the plant’s surface. Since dogs are not herbivores, most won’t eat large quantities of lemongrass. As a result, growing lemongrass in a garden or backyard your dog frequents might still be generally safe.

In severe cases of lemongrass poisoning, the cyanogenic glycosides can disrupt your dog’s oxygen flow. If your dog ingests large quantities of lemongrass, observe their behavior for any of these symptoms:

1. 1. Fever: Within twenty-four hours of ingesting large quantities of lemongrass, your dog might develop a fever. Monitor their temperature to ensure the fever breaks.
2. 2. Gastrointestinal issues: A common sign of lemongrass poisoning is gastrointestinal problems since dogs’ digestive systems can’t digest large quantities of vegetation. Common symptoms of stomach upset include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and a distended abdomen. Your dog’s abdomen might also be sensitive to touch in cases of a severe blockage.
3. 3. Respiratory complications: In severe cases of lemongrass poisoning, dogs can experience cerebral hypoxia. After ingestion, the cyanogenic glycosides become cyanide, a toxic chemical that disrupts cellular respiration in dogs. Signs of oxygen deficiency include drooling, vomiting, and muscle spasms.

As a general rule, contact your vet to decide the best treatment plan for your dog if they eat lemongrass. If your furry friend consumes only small quantities and has mild symptoms, consider these pet care remedies for treating lemongrass poisoning:

• Give your dog water. Fluid therapy is a common treatment for minor to severe lemongrass poisoning in dogs. Giving your dog water helps flush out the intestinal blockage caused by the lemongrass.
• Monitor their behavior. Observe your dog’s behavior over the next twenty-four hours to determine their symptoms. Some signs to look for include loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, and an increased respiratory rate.
• Seek medical attention. If your dog’s symptoms worsen, contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control or your local veterinarian for supportive care. In severe cases of lemongrass poisoning, your dog might need intravenous or surgical treatment to clear the intestinal blockage.

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