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 ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues when eaten in large quantities. If you dog ingests a small amount, it most likely will not cause harm but if you are concerned, always contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control.
As long as it is properly diluted and used in a way where your pet cannot ingest it, as a general rule, lemongrass essential oil is safe. For context, this means you can diffuse it in a well-ventilated room, not that you should be applying it to your four-legged friend or to yourself if your dog commonly licks you.
Lemongrass oil is safe to use around dogs if used as less potent oil, that is, if used in diluted form. While it can have benefits for humans, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested or if it comes into contact with their skin.
This plant is used widely in Thai foods, and while it isn't toxic to humans, it can potentially harm dogs, cats and other wildlife. If your cat nibbles some baked goods or meals containing lemongrass, it should be just fine as long as it ate only a small amount.
Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.
Citronella is derived from a different species of lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus). While your pet should not eat citronella, it can be useful as a flea, tick and mosquito repellant. You'll want to be sure to use citronella products specifically designed for dogs and follow the instructions carefully.
Citrus scents top the list of smells your dog probably hates. The scent of lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits is strong and unpleasant for your dog. For this reason, you can use citrus scents as a dog repellant in off-limits parts of the house. Their noses are irritated by the strength of citrus.
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.
Lemongrass essential oil is a great mood enhancer. If your pet is suffering from depression or deep sadness read more here, but using the essential oil acts as a sedative to calm the nerves, ease anxiety, relax muscles, reduces stress in cats, dogs and humans!
Citronella is toxic to pets
Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don't have access to any citronella plants in your garden.
No, when diluted properly, lemon essential oil is not harmful to dogs. Be mindful, though, do not let your dog drink lemon essential oil. Have you ever accidentally knocked your essential oil bottle over, or dropped a few extra drops onto a surface while creating a blend?
The lemon essential oil contains citronellal, geraniol, and limonene, all of which can be toxic in large quantities. These compounds are known to cause liver damage, gastrointestinal irritation, and even central nervous system depression. Lemon essential oil is not safe for dogs to consume in any quantity.
Key takeaway. Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet.
K9 Advantix II is a common treatment used as a mosquito repellent for dogs. Not only does it kill mosquitoes that might try to bite your dog, but it also keeps them from getting close with its full-spectrum protection.
Fortunately, most of the varieties, like peppermint, spearmint, lavender mint, apple mint, and even pineapple mint, are totally safe. However, you should steer clear of Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), a type of non-culinary mint that is toxic for both people and pets.
Rarely, lemongrass oil might cause a rash of skin irritation when applied to the skin. However, there have been some toxic side effects, such as lung problems after inhaling lemongrass and a fatal poisoning after a child swallowed a lemongrass oil-based insect repellent.
For one, their nose will probably start to wiggle as they take in the new scent and try to figure out what exactly is going on. They may sneeze, which could indicate the essential oil is bothering them, so be sure to watch for this.
Citronella Oil
Dogs hate the smell of citronella, and trainers often use the oil in both collar and spray form to break aggressive behavior and persistent barking habits. In fact, just a whiff of citronella could very well keep your dog away from your garden.
Inhalation of essential oils is a problem for dogs and other pets. Some of these oils are irritants to the lungs and inhalation can also lead to systemic effects of toxicity in some cases. If a dog gets oil in their airway, this can also cause serious irritation and disease to the lungs.
According to APCC, not necessarily. Using an oil diffuser for a short time period in a secured area—one that your dog or cat cannot access—is not likely to be an issue. However, if your pet has a history of breathing problems, it may be best to avoid using one altogether.
It's best to avoid diffusing essential oils around dogs and cats. In addition to inhalation exposure to potentially toxic essential oils, microdroplets of oils could collect on your pet's fur. This exposure could lead to dermal absorption or eventual ingestion once your pet grooms or licks itself.