Dogs
Potentially toxicConsulted references classify the plant as toxic or irritating for that pet type.
Verified against ASPCA/provenance audit 2026-05-06 on May 6, 2026.
dog safety reference
Is Lime safe for dogs?
Citrus aurantifolia
The lime tree is a citrus species known for its aromatic foliage and fruit. While popular as a houseplant, all parts of the plant contain essential oils and psoralens that can be harmful to pets if ingested.
Citrus aurantifoliaKey LimeLime Tree
- Light
- Bright direct light
- Habit
- Upright tree
- Care
- Moderate
Safety status
What this means for your dog
Dogs should not eat lime peel, leaves, or seeds. The ASPCA flags Citrus aurantifolia as toxic to dogs because of essential oils and psoralens; a fallen fruit chewed in the yard or a swiped slice from the kitchen counter can cause stomach upset and skin irritation.
What to watch for
Vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy/depression are the most common signs. Drooling and skin redness may follow contact with crushed peel or leaves. The flesh of the lime is far less concentrated in oils than the peel and leaves.
Time window
GI signs usually appear within a few hours of ingestion; the ASPCA listing does not give a specific recovery window for lime in dogs.
When to call the vet
Call your vet if your dog is vomiting repeatedly, is unusually flat or wobbly, refuses food, or develops a spreading skin rash. Small ingestion of pulp alone often resolves with monitoring.
Sources: ASPCA (no first-aid guidance).
If a pet has chewed or swallowed plant material and is showing symptoms, contact a veterinarian or poison resource immediately. This product is for structured reference, not diagnosis.
Dogs — concern notes
Common signs
Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and skin irritation upon contact.
Escalation note
The essential oils and compounds in the plant can cause systemic upset. Please consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has consumed or chewed on this plant.
Safer alternatives
No hand-picked alternatives for this plant yet. You can still pick your own using the Compare button on any other plant.
Source evidence
Same dog verdict
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