Lavender is a popular aromatic herb that is often used in teas, essential oils, and perfumes. Its sweet, floral scent is beloved by many, and it’s often used to create a calming atmosphere in homes and gardens. But you may be wondering, is lavender poisonous for dogs? The answer is not a simple yes or no, as there are a few things to consider. This blog post will explore the potential benefits and risks of lavender for dogs, as well as how to safely use lavender if you choose to do so. We will also provide advice on what to do if your dog ingests lavender and how to prevent accidents in the first place. Ultimately, it will be up to you to make an informed decision about the use of lavender around your pup.
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accuracy checked on December 7, 2021 by DVM Cathy Barnette
Even if you’re not fully integrated into the essential oils trend, you may already be well versed in the soothing, calming powers that lavender can have on people. Numerous scientific studies have been conducted to test these claims, such as this one, which conclude that there’s evidence for the “relaxing effect of inhaling lavender oil.” Lavender oil, and the plant itself, can even be safely ingested by humans to achieve similar calming effects.
Today, we’re going to talk about whether it’s safe to give lavender to our canine friends in any form, and whether the same health benefits might be experienced. Here’s what you need to know.
The answer to this question is unfortunately not a simple as a straightforward yes or no. Lavender contains a small amount of a compound called linalool, which is toxic to both dogs and cats. Linalool is found in such small concentrations, however, that toxicity is rarely an issue. Problems arise only if a dog ingests a very large quantity of lavender.
Symptoms of lavender poisoning may include vomiting, inability to defecate, a swollen and tender abdomen, reduced appetite, and fever. If you suspect your dog has been poisoned by lavender, consult your veterinarian (or an emergency veterinary hospital if after-hours) immediately. Treatment varies, but may include the administration of intravenous (IV) fluids, supplemental oxygen, and antihistamines.
Is Lavender Oil for Dogs Safe, and How Can It Help?
In people, lavender oil is praised for its capacity to ease anxiety and stress. But is lavender oil safe for dogs, and more importantly, is it just as beneficial?
Unfortunately, the answer to that question is complicated.
First of all, the ASPCA considers lavender to be toxic to dogs (as well as cats and horses). If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. These symptoms can be traced to a single dangerous component known as linalool. Even though your dog would need to ingest a large amount of it to begin to show signs of toxicity, it’s not a situation you want to find yourself in accidentally.
The only way to safely use lavender to help relax your dog is through aromatherapy. While research is minimal, the studies on using lavender oil for dogs show that it can be safe. However, you must know the safe way to utilize aromatherapy to help your dog feel less stressed out to help you avoid any accidental toxicity.
Placing a few drops of the essential oil in the spots your pet frequents is how to use lavender oil for dogs as aromatherapy. For example, lavender oil on their favorite blanket or in their bed can provide them with a place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. The key is to keep lavender oil away from areas where they might unintentionally consume it or come into contact with it.
Keep in mind that a dog’s sense of smell is 1,000 times more powerful than ours. Because lavender already has a potent aroma, your dog might become overpowered.
Key takeaway Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet. If you have lavender products in your home, keep them away from your pet at all times to ensure they don’t come in contact with the toxins.
Depending on how it is utilized, lavender may not be safe for dogs. An aromatic plant called lavender has calming properties that may help anxious dogs relax. Additionally, it has healing properties that have been used for thousands of years. However, that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily safe for your dog.
Lavender contains linalool, a compound toxic to pets, including dogs. However, toxicity in dogs is less common than in cats, despite the fact that linalool is toxic to them in large doses. However, consuming a significant amount of lavender from the plant or its essential oils can cause dogs to become poisoned.
Everything you need to know about the safety of lavender for dogs is covered in this article, including the signs of lavender poisoning, inhalation vs. ingestion, and what to do if your dog consumes lavender.
Dogs who consume a lot of lavender directly from the plant, eat a candle containing essential oils, or lick the oils can become poisoned by lavender. Signs of lavender poisoning may include:
Unfortunately, a lot of pet owners think that lavender oil is safe for dogs because essential oils are natural. However, this isn’t the case. When used incorrectly, essential oils can be very dangerous to your dog.
If you’ve ever used essential oils, you may be aware of how harsh they can be on the skin and their odor. You can’t be there all the time to prevent your dog from licking themselves, and applying oils directly to the skin can irritate or even burn your dog’s skin. If you’re trying to treat a condition with essential oils, always consult your veterinarian first. There are safer, proven methods to heal your dog.
Additionally, your dog’s respiratory tract can be irritated by lavender. Consequently, if you diffuse the essential oil at home, your dog might have breathing issues. Although lavender essential oil has occasionally been used to treat anxiety in dogs, this is not the only solution, and it is also not the most secure. Instead, consult your veterinarian before giving your pet lavender.
Of course, using lavender for yourself at home requires caution as well. If you keep plants indoors, keep them out of reach of your dog. Furthermore, if you diffuse essential oils, try to do so in areas where your dog doesn’t spend a lot of time. In order to prevent pets from discovering them, all bath products that contain essential oils should be kept locked away from pets.
Although keeping a lavender plant or using lavender in your home may seem harmless, it is not completely safe for your pet. Causes of lavender poisoning include:
Even though it might be a wonderful addition to your house or outdoor garden, a lavender plant shouldn’t be kept close to dogs. Dogs are inquisitive animals, and one way they gain knowledge of the world is by using their sense of taste. Sadly, that means your plants, including any that might be toxic, could be eaten by them if you have any indoor or outdoor plants.
Additionally, exposure to essential oils can be dangerous to pets. Because they might try to lick it off, pets shouldn’t ever be exposed to lavender oil directly on the skin or fur. These essential oils can be toxic when absorbed through the skin. Dogs who breathe in the essential oil may experience respiratory problems, including coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
To help calm an anxious dog, some veterinarians may advise diffusing lavender in your home. However, you should only give your dog lavender if a veterinarian recommends it. However, there are a variety of unfavorable effects of essential oils.
Luckily, diluted lavender oil is considered relatively safe for dogs. When using a diffuser, you only add a few drops of essential oil to water, diluting it to a safe concentration. However, there is obviously no assurance that your dog won’t attempt to lick the droplets or the area where they land.
Because dogs can easily ingest it, never apply lavender oil directly to their skin or fur for them to inhale. Undiluted lavender oil can cause serious skin rashes, and some dogs may be allergic to it, which can result in itchy, inflamed skin and respiratory problems.
Dogs can therefore breathe lavender, but it must be used properly. Consult your veterinarian before using lavender oil on your dog so they can explain the advantages and possible risks and give you any necessary instructions or suggestions.
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats lavender?
However, because linalool is present in such minute amounts, toxicity is rarely a problem. Problems only occur when a dog consumes a significant amount of lavender. In addition to nausea and vomiting, lavender poisoning can also cause an enlarged and tender abdomen, reduced appetite, and fever.
Is the smell of lavender toxic to dogs?
Key takeaway. Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, because some dogs have a stronger sense of smell than others, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in these animals. Essential oils and the lavender plant can both be harmful to your pet.
Is lavender safe around dogs?
The ASPCA first notes that lavender is toxic to dogs as well as cats and horses. If ingested, the plant can cause nausea, vomiting, and inappetence. These symptoms are caused by the single dangerous substance linalool.