Is lemongrass safe for dogs? Not really. Lemongrass is considered toxic to dogs because it contains cyanogenic glycosides and essential oils that can upset the stomach, and its tough, fibrous stalks can cause an intestinal blockage if a dog eats a large amount. A quick nibble rarely causes serious harm, but lemongrass should be kept out of reach—and concentrated lemongrass essential oil avoided entirely.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you think your dog has eaten a harmful amount of lemongrass or any plant, contact your veterinarian right away.
Is Lemongrass Toxic to Dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to dogs, identifying the harmful components as essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides. In small amounts, the most likely result is mild stomach upset. The bigger concern is quantity: lemongrass is dense and stringy, and dogs don't digest large volumes of plant fiber well.
Veterinary-reviewed guidance from Dogster, fact-checked by a licensed veterinarian, states plainly that "lemongrass is toxic to dogs, and they shouldn't be allowed to eat it," citing both the cyanogenic glycosides that can convert to cyanide when chewed and the gastrointestinal blockage risk from its fibrous texture.
What Happens If a Dog Eats Lemongrass?
The effect depends on how much your dog eats. According to Wag!, dogs can't safely eat lemongrass, and reactions generally fall into two categories:
- Small amounts: mild digestive upset—vomiting, diarrhea, or a temporarily reduced appetite.
- Large amounts: risk of intestinal obstruction from the fibrous stalks, which is a medical emergency and may require imaging or surgery.
Signs to watch for include repeated vomiting, straining, a hard or painful belly, lethargy, or loss of appetite. If you notice these after your dog has been around lemongrass, treat it as urgent and call your vet. Knowing the broader signs of poisoning every owner should recognize can help you act quickly.
Lemongrass Essential Oil vs. the Plant
There's an important distinction between the growing plant and concentrated lemongrass essential oil. The plant is a mild risk in small quantities; the essential oil is far more dangerous. Concentrated essential oils can cause airway irritation, skin reactions, and toxicity if licked or applied undiluted, and dogs are especially sensitive to them. Health Extension notes that heavily diluted lemongrass found in some shampoos may be tolerated, but pure lemongrass oil should never be applied to or diffused heavily around a dog without veterinary guidance. For the full picture, see our guide to whether essential oils are okay for dogs.
Why Do Dogs Eat Lemongrass in the First Place?
Many dogs chew grass and grass-like plants, and lemongrass—with its lemony scent—can be tempting in the garden. Occasional plant-chewing is normal canine behavior, sometimes linked to boredom, curiosity, or an upset stomach. That instinct becomes a problem when the plant in question is toxic. If your dog is a determined garden grazer, it's worth reviewing which of your indoor and outdoor plants are safe around dogs and fencing off or relocating the risky ones.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe Around Lemongrass
- Keep it out of reach. Grow lemongrass in raised beds or areas your dog can't access, and avoid planting it where your dog roams.
- Skip the essential oil. Don't diffuse concentrated lemongrass oil in rooms your dog uses, and never apply it to their skin or coat.
- Read product labels. Some natural flea sprays and repellents contain lemongrass oil—check with your vet before use.
- Supervise the garden. Redirect grazing dogs and provide chew toys or dog-safe greens instead.
- Have a plan. Keep your vet's number and a pet poison hotline handy.
Curious how lemongrass compares to other aromatic plants dogs encounter? Our piece on whether catnip is safe for dogs covers another common household herb.
Symptoms of Lemongrass Poisoning in Dogs
Most healthy dogs that nibble a little lemongrass will show no symptoms or only brief, mild stomach upset. Problems scale with the amount eaten and the size of the dog. Signs to monitor include:
- Vomiting or repeated retching
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Reduced appetite or refusing food
- Lethargy or unusual quietness
- Drooling or lip-licking (nausea)
- A hard, bloated, or painful abdomen
- Straining to pass stool or signs of constipation, which can indicate a blockage
The blockage risk is the reason lemongrass deserves more respect than a typical "mildly toxic" plant. The stalks are tough and stringy, and a determined chewer—especially a small dog—can swallow enough fibrous material to obstruct the digestive tract. Obstructions can be life-threatening and sometimes require surgery, so persistent vomiting, a tender belly, or an inability to keep food down always warrants an urgent call to your vet.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Lemongrass
If you catch your dog eating lemongrass, stay calm and take these steps:
- Remove access so your dog can't eat more, and check how much is gone.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian specifically tells you to—doing so incorrectly can cause harm.
- Note the details: roughly how much was eaten, whether it was the plant or an oil-containing product, and the time.
- Watch closely for the symptoms above over the next 24 hours.
- Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if your dog ate a large amount, is showing symptoms, or you're unsure.
Recognizing trouble early is half the battle—brushing up on the general signs of poisoning every pet owner should know makes you faster to react with any plant, not just lemongrass.
Are There Any Benefits of Lemongrass for Dogs?
You may see lemongrass marketed as a natural insect repellent or digestive aid. While the plant does contain aromatic compounds, the risks for dogs outweigh any unproven benefit when it comes to ingestion or concentrated oils. If you're drawn to natural pest control or calming aids, talk to your veterinarian about products formulated and tested specifically for dogs rather than improvising with lemongrass. There are safer, vet-approved options for fleas, ticks, and anxiety that won't put your dog at risk.
Dog-Safe Alternatives to Lemongrass
If your dog enjoys chewing greenery or you want dog-friendly plants around the house and yard, choose from options confirmed non-toxic to dogs, such as small amounts of plain wheatgrass, spider plants, or Boston ferns for the home. Always double-check any new plant against a reliable toxic-plant list before bringing it into a space your dog can reach—our roundup of indoor plants and dogs is a good starting point. For herbs, parsley and basil in tiny amounts are generally considered safe, unlike lemongrass.
Lemongrass in Household Products and the Yard
Lemongrass shows up in more places than the vegetable aisle. It's a common ingredient in candles, diffuser blends, insect-repellent sprays, cleaning products, and some "natural" flea remedies—and its close relative, citronella, appears in many mosquito products. For dogs, the concern with these items is the concentration of essential oil. Diffusing large amounts of lemongrass or citronella oil in a small, poorly ventilated room can irritate a dog's sensitive respiratory system, and dogs shouldn't lick treated surfaces or skin. If you use these products, keep them well out of reach, ventilate the space, and give your dog the option to leave the room. In the garden, lemongrass is often planted as a natural pest deterrent; if you grow it, fence it off or site it where your dog doesn't roam and graze. When in doubt about any product containing lemongrass or its oil, check the label with your veterinarian before use around pets. A little caution goes a long way toward keeping an otherwise pleasant, lemony herb from becoming a hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lemongrass safe for dogs to eat?
No. Lemongrass is toxic to dogs and shouldn't be fed to them. A small nibble usually causes only mild stomach upset, but larger amounts risk cyanide-related toxicity and intestinal blockage.
Is lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs?
Concentrated lemongrass essential oil is not safe for dogs. It can irritate the airways and skin and be toxic if licked. Only heavily diluted forms in some products may be tolerated—ask your vet first.
My dog licked a little lemongrass. Should I panic?
A small taste is unlikely to cause serious harm, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy. If symptoms appear or your dog ate a large amount, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Does lemongrass repel fleas on dogs?
Lemongrass oil is sometimes marketed as a natural flea repellent, but because concentrated oil can be toxic to dogs, don't apply it yourself. Talk to your vet about safe, proven flea prevention.
What plants are safe alternatives if my dog likes to chew greens?
Dog-safe options include small amounts of plain grass, wheatgrass, or vet-approved greens. Keep toxic plants like lemongrass out of reach and offer safe chews to redirect the habit.
The Bottom Line
Lemongrass is not safe for dogs. The plant is mildly toxic and a blockage hazard, and the essential oil is more dangerous still. Keep lemongrass out of your dog's reach, avoid concentrated oils, and watch for stomach upset if your dog sneaks a bite. When in doubt, your veterinarian is the best resource—and if you suspect a significant ingestion, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away.
