Safety verdict
Consulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Pet ingestion lookup
My dog ate Lemon Grass - what should I do?
Cymbopogon citratus
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 signs of gastrointestinal distress.
Escalation note
The fibrous leaves can be difficult to digest and may cause mechanical irritation, while the oils may cause stomach upset. Always consult a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed a significant amount.
First aid at home
Take the plant away and rinse the mouth with water to remove residue. If essential oil got on the coat, bathe with a mild dish soap to limit absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control.
What to watch for
Most common after chewing the plant is stomach upset: vomiting and occasional diarrhea. Concentrated essential-oil exposure can additionally cause drooling, lethargy, anorexia, and respiratory or dermal irritation.
Time window
GI signs from chewing the plant typically appear within a few hours and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care. Essential-oil exposures can take 3–7 days to fully resolve.
When to call the vet
Call a vet or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if your dog ingested lemongrass essential oil, ate a large quantity of leaves, or shows ongoing vomiting, lethargy, or signs of an intestinal obstruction (straining, abdominal pain, repeated unproductive vomiting).
What this means for your dog
Dogs: ASPCA lists lemon grass as toxic to dogs, with essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides as the toxic principles. A few nibbles of an outdoor blade are usually only mildly irritating; the larger concerns are concentrated lemongrass essential oil and large quantities of tough fibrous leaves.
Sources: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline.
Source references
Poison-control resources
This page summarizes source-bound plant-safety information and is not veterinary advice.