In a small amount, the lemongrass plant can be mildly safe for dogs, but in higher concentration, it can be highly toxic for your four-legged, furry pet.
Lemongrass an immensely famous and common ingredient of Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. So, while enjoying your Thai takeouts, you might be wondering if your furry pet can enjoy the lemongrass exotic flavor. Look no further, in this article you will be knowing:
- What is Lemongrass?
- Is it safe for dogs?
- Is Lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs?
- What is Lemongrass poisoning?
- Symptoms of Lemongrass Poisoning?
What is Lemongrass?
Belonging to the family of Poaceae and the genus of Cymbopogon citratus, Lemongrass is a plant species with a few breeds. This plant is native to Asia, Australia, and Africa, it is commonly known as Silky heads, Oily heads, Barbed Wire Fever, Citronella, and Malabar grass.
Lemongrass is one of the few plants that are considered toxic for dogs, cats, and horses, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. But it is still safe as the garden plant for dog parents, the reason being dogs are carnivores and would not show much interest in plants, and even a very small portion of it would not harm your four-legged pet.
Is Lemongrass safe for dogs?
According to ASPCA, due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides the signature lemongrass essential oils, Lemongrass is toxic for dogs. But experts believe that this applies to only a few specific species of the plant.
What is Lemongrass poisoning?
Along with being used as an important ingredient in various cuisine, Lemongrass is also used in several aromatic therapies. It is often used in skincare and haircare products because of its essential oils and scent.
The essential oils of Lemongrass which majorly consist of citronella in high concentration are formed in the plant to protect it from insects, i.e. it is the plant’s natural insect-repellant. This chemical, unfortunately, is toxic for dogs.
If your dog ever nibbles on lemongrass, there are high chances that it will suffer from some sort of ill-effects if not severe. This is known as lemongrass positioning,
Are Lemongrass essential oils safe for dogs?
According to St. Louis Post Dispatch, essential oils of lemongrass in very small concentration is safe for dogs, but not for cats because unlike humans and dogs, these poor creatures lack some essential liver enzymes which break down the complex compounds present in the oil. Long story short, dogs are more capable of handling herbs in comparison with cats.
Moreover, according to Cedarcide.com, these essential oils are also a crucial ingredient of some dog perfumes/ sprays, due to their citrus-like scent.
Despite all this, it is always advised to keep your dog away from lemongrass’ essential oils. Even though a small concentration is not toxic to the, but it can still cause some severe health hazards to your poor pet.
Symptoms of Lemongrass Poisoning?
Post consumption of lemongrass, your dog can show the following symptoms of lemongrass positioning:
- Distended abdomen
- Loss of appetite
- Straining on defecation
- Abdominal pain
- Shock
- Vomiting
If your pet shows the following symptoms after nibbling on lemongrass, then visit your vet before things go out of hand.
