Have you ever caught your furry friend sniffing around your citrus trees and wondered if those pretty lemon flowers could make them sick? As a dedicated dog mom with two curious pups who think my garden is their personal buffet, I’ve spent countless hours researching which plants are safe and which could send us rushing to the emergency vet.
The Quick Answer: Yes, But…
Yes, lemon flowers can be toxic to dogs, but the severity depends on how much your dog consumes Citrus plants like lemons contain essential oils and compounds that can cause digestive upset in dogs
Let me share what I’ve learned about lemon flowers and dogs so you can keep your four-legged family members safe while still enjoying your citrus plants.
Why Lemon Flowers and Trees Can Be Problematic for Dogs
Lemon trees, including their flowers leaves and fruit, contain several compounds that aren’t dog-friendly
- Essential oils – These give lemons their distinctive smell but can irritate your dog’s digestive system
- Citric acid – Can cause stomach upset
- Psoralen compounds – These can increase photosensitivity and cause skin irritation
- Linalool and limonene – Aromatic compounds that can be toxic in large amounts
Symptoms of Lemon Flower Toxicity in Dogs
If your curious canine has been munching on lemon flowers watch for these signs
- Gastrointestinal upset – Vomiting and diarrhea are the most common symptoms
- Excessive drooling
- Depression or lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Sensitivity to light (in severe cases)
- Skin irritation (if they’ve had contact with the oils)
Most dogs won’t eat enough lemon flowers to cause severe poisoning because the bitter taste usually deters them. But we all know some dogs will eat literally anything!
How Serious Is Lemon Flower Toxicity?
The good news is that lemon flower toxicity is typically less severe than many other plant toxicities. According to the ASPCA’s plant list for dogs, while lemon trees aren’t specifically listed, other citrus plants like lime and orange are mentioned, and they generally cause similar reactions.
For perspective, here’s how lemon flower toxicity compares to some truly dangerous plants:
| Plant | Toxicity Level | Potential Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon Flowers | Mild to Moderate | Mainly GI upset, rarely serious |
| Sago Palm | Severe | Can cause liver failure and death |
| Foxglove | Severe | Can cause cardiac failure and death |
| Autumn Crocus | Severe | Can cause organ damage and respiratory failure |
| Azalea | Severe | Can cause paralysis, coma, and death |
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Lemon Flowers
If you catch your dog eating lemon flowers or suspect they have, here’s what to do:
- Remove access to the plant immediately
- Check how much they might have consumed
- Monitor for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior
- Contact your vet if you notice any concerning symptoms
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless specifically instructed by your vet
- Collect a sample of the plant or take a photo to show your vet
As Dr. Jerry Klein, the American Kennel Club’s Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasizes, “The most common mistake pet owners make is to wait to see if the dog becomes ill before contacting the veterinarian.” When in doubt, call your vet!
Keeping Your Dog Safe Around Lemon Trees
I’ve found these strategies helpful in keeping my own dogs away from my lemon tree:
- Create barriers around citrus trees with decorative fencing
- Train your dog with “leave it” commands when approaching plants
- Regularly clean up fallen flowers, fruit, and leaves
- Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation so they’re less likely to entertain themselves by chomping on plants
- Consider companion planting with dog-safe, strong-smelling herbs that might deter your pup
Other Common Garden Plants That Are More Dangerous
While lemon flowers aren’t among the most toxic plants for dogs, there are many common garden plants that pose a much greater risk. According to the ASPCA and AKC lists, these are some of the most dangerous:
Severely Toxic Plants
- Sago Palm – Every part is toxic, especially the seeds
- Oleander – All parts can cause abnormal heart rate and even death
- Lily of the Valley – Can cause cardiac arrhythmia
- Autumn Crocus – Contains colchicine which is extremely toxic
- Foxglove – Can cause cardiac failure
- Azalea and Rhododendron – Can cause paralysis, coma, and death
- Japanese Yew – Can be fatal to dogs
Moderately Toxic Plants
- Chrysanthemum – Causes intestinal irritation
- Daffodil – Especially the bulbs, can cause severe vomiting
- Holly – Results in vomiting and GI injury
- Hydrangea – Can cause lethargy and GI upset
- Tulip and Hyacinth – Especially the bulbs, cause irritation
Dog-Safe Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re looking to create a completely dog-safe garden, consider these non-toxic alternatives:
- Roses – Beautiful and safe for dogs
- Sunflowers – Bright, cheerful, and non-toxic
- Snapdragons – Colorful and safe
- Camellia – Lovely flowering shrubs that won’t harm your pup
- Spider Plant – Great indoor option that’s safe for dogs
- Boston Fern – Another safe indoor option
My Personal Experience
Last summer, my Labrador, Charlie, decided my young lemon tree looked tasty and chewed on several flowers and a couple leaves before I caught him. I panicked at first (as we dog parents do!), but after calling my vet and describing what happened, she reassured me that the amount he consumed would likely just cause minor stomach upset.
Sure enough, Charlie had some diarrhea that evening but was back to his bouncy self by the next morning. Now I keep my citrus plants in a section of the yard that’s fenced off from the “dog zone.”
The Bottom Line on Lemon Flowers and Dogs
While lemon flowers aren’t among the most dangerous plants for your dog, they can still cause uncomfortable symptoms if ingested. It’s best to err on the side of caution and keep your furry friends away from lemon trees and their flowers.
Remember that prevention is always better than treatment. As I learned with Charlie, even a mild toxic reaction means an uncomfortable time for your dog (and probably some messy cleanup for you!).
If you suspect your dog has eaten any potentially toxic plant, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 for guidance.
Have your dogs ever had a run-in with lemon trees or other garden plants? Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear how other pet parents handle these challenges!
Disclaimer: I’m not a veterinarian, just a fellow dog owner sharing research and experience. Always consult with your veterinarian for professional advice regarding your pet’s health.
Lemon and Lime Poisoning in Dogs | Wag!
FAQ
Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are potentially toxic to canines in large amounts. Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.
Are peony plants toxic to dogs?
Peony: These gorgeous flowering plants contain the toxin paeonol in their bark. They may cause vomiting and diarrhea, if ingested in large amounts. Sago Palm: Often used as an ornamental shrub in temperate zones, it’s considered one of the most toxic plants for dogs. Every part of the plant is toxic, especially the seeds.
Are lilies poisonous to dogs?
Lily: With so many different varieties of lilies, it’s hard to remember which are dangerous and which are relatively benign. Some — for example, daylilies — are extremely toxic to cats, but cause only gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Others, such as the calla lily, release a substance that burns and irritates a dog’s mouth and stomach.
Are Foxglove plants poisonous to dogs?
Foxglove: All parts of these tall beautiful flowers, from the seeds to the petals, are extremely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause cardiac failure and even death. Geranium: All varieties of this common container plant are poisonous to dogs. The symptoms include lethargy, low blood pressure, skin rashes, and loss of appetite.
Can a dog eat lemons & limes?
Prognosis is typically good as the poisoning symptoms only last a few hours, however, ingestion of essential oils including lemons and limes can have a more dire outcome. Dogs that require gastric lavage and are recovering from anesthesia may have coordination difficulties and confusion until the sedatives have fully cleared the patient’s system.
Are lemons poisonous to humans?
Symptoms of poisoning from citrus fruits like lemons and limes are caused by a combination of the phototoxic compounds known as psoralens and the essential oils limonene and linalool. Both psoralens and linalool are found in other plants as well. However the essential oil limonene is generally restricted to citrus plants.
Can dogs eat lemon flowers?
Dogs may experience gastrointestinal upset and mild toxicity from ingesting certain plants like lemon blossoms. Ingesting lemon blossoms can cause vomiting, depression, and gastrointestinal irritation in dogs. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
Are lemon blossoms toxic to dogs to humans?
Both lemon (citrus limon) and lime (citrus aurantifolia) trees produce phototoxic compounds called psoralens as well as linalool and limonene. Although safe for humans, these substances are potentially toxic to canines in large amounts.
What part of lemon is toxic to dogs?
Lemon leaves, branches/bark, and the peel are considered toxic. The inner fruit is not. The toxicity is secondary to essential oils and psoralens. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
What is the most toxic flower to dogs?
- Tulip.
- Lily of the Valley.
- Oleander.
- Philodendron.
- Rhododendron.
- Dieffenbachia.
- Japanese Yew.
- Cyclamen.