Lemon Grass

Yes, lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is considered potentially toxic to cats. The fibrous leaves can physically irritate the mouth and GI tract, and the plant's essential oils can cause chemical irritation if ingested or absorbed through the skin.

The most common signs are gastrointestinal upset — vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite — which typically appear within a few hours of chewing the plant and resolve within 24 hours with supportive care. If your cat was exposed to concentrated lemongrass essential oil rather than the raw plant, you may also see drooling, lethargy, and respiratory or skin irritation, which can take 3–7 days to fully resolve. Large amounts of the fibrous leaves can cause GI obstruction.

Move your cat away from the plant and gently wipe any plant material from her mouth. If essential oil got on her fur or skin, wash the area with a mild dish soap to stop further absorption through grooming. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a vet. Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435) if she vomits more than once or twice, refuses food for more than a day, or shows lethargy, breathing changes, or signs of obstruction.

Yes — concentrated lemongrass essential oil poses a greater risk than the raw plant. Essential oils are rapidly absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, and exposure can cause drooling, lethargy, anorexia, and respiratory or skin irritation that may persist for 3–7 days. If your cat walked through spilled oil or you applied a lemongrass product to her coat, wash it off immediately with mild dish soap and contact ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435).

Yes, lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) is considered potentially toxic to dogs. The fibrous leaves can cause mechanical irritation in the digestive tract, and the essential oils can cause stomach upset, making it a plant to keep away from dogs.

The most common signs are vomiting and diarrhea, typically appearing within a few hours of ingestion and usually resolving within 24 hours with supportive care. Exposure to concentrated essential oils can additionally cause drooling, lethargy, loss of appetite, and respiratory or skin irritation, which may take 3–7 days to fully resolve.

Remove the plant and rinse your dog's mouth with water to clear any residue. If essential oil got on the coat, wash it off with a mild dish soap to limit absorption. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian or poison control — call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 if your dog ingested lemongrass essential oil or ate a large quantity of leaves.

Yes, the tough fibrous leaves are difficult to digest and can potentially cause a mechanical obstruction. Watch for signs of an intestinal blockage — straining to defecate, abdominal pain, or repeated unproductive vomiting — and call your vet immediately if any of these appear.