Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Lemon Verbena - what should I do?
Aloysia triphylla
Potentially toxic
Contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control resource now, especially if any amount was chewed or swallowed.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
Signs to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, and potential dermatitis or skin irritation from contact with the plant's essential oils.
Escalation note
While generally considered mild, ingestion should be monitored and a veterinarian consulted if symptoms persist or worsen.
What to watch for
Watch for stomach upset (vomiting, soft stool, drooling), abdominal discomfort or restlessness, and reduced appetite. Some dogs may also develop mild skin irritation where crushed leaves brushed bare skin.
Time window
Onset and duration aren't documented in detail for lemon verbena in dogs; essential-oil GI signs typically begin within a few hours of ingestion and resolve within roughly a day.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues for more than a few hours, your dog seems painful in the belly or unusually flat, or appetite doesn't return by the next meal.
What this means for your dog
Dogs should not eat lemon verbena. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs because of its essential oils, which can upset the stomach and cause colic. A curious nibble of leaves in the herb garden is unlikely to be serious, but a larger mouthful will leave a dog uncomfortable.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.