Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Safe For Dogs?

Lemongrass essential oil is derived from the lemongrass plant native to Asia. It is tropical grass. Lemongrass is commonly used in cooking and in a wide range of personal care products and household products. However, when it comes to dogs, lemongrass essential oil should be used with caution, as it can be toxic to them if ingested or if it comes into contact with their skin.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and thus can be poisonous to dogs. Humans love lemongrass essential oil mainly due to its pleasant smell. But it cannot be said in the case of dogs. Dogs have a strong sense of smell compared to humans, and any smell that is loved or mild for humans can be intolerable to dogs.

It is said that a dog's sense of smell is 100 times stronger than a human's. So, it becomes necessary to take care while using essential oils around dogs.

Is Lemongrass Essential Oil Safe For Dogs? | Is It Safe To Use Lemongrass Oil Around Dogs? 

Whether lemongrass essential oil is safe for dogs or not majorly depends on the way and quantity that you are using. Lemongrass oil is safe for dogs, provided you need to use it with proper care and attention.

Before using it around your dogs, you first need to understand the sense of smell of your dog, whether the scent of lemongrass is irritating your dog or you can use it to a certain extent. There are chances that the smell of lemongrass can be overpowering or overwhelming for your dog.

Though, this does not mean that you cannot use essential oils around your dogs. If you are using lemongrass oil around your dog, then make sure you are doing this in an open space. When it comes to toxicity, using pure lemongrass essential oil can be toxic for your dogs.

But if you dilute the essential oil, then it is safe to be used around your dogs. 1% dilution is suggested for safe use. 1 drop of lemongrass essential oil should be diluted with 1 teaspoon of carrier oil.

Topical application of lemongrass essential oil on dogs can also be done with proper care. The first major step is to ensure that the essential oil is diluted. Also, make sure where you are applying oils, as they can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. So, essential oils are usually applied from where they can be easily supplied to where it is required.

Some places where the topical application of essential oils on dogs can be made are their tummy, inside of their back legs, etc. If you want to make sure that they do not lick the essential oils, then you can apply it on the back of their neck.

One of the major benefits of using lemongrass essential oil on or around your dogs is that it is a great insect repellent or essential oil bug repellent. It can be used as a flea and tick repellent for dogs. So, it will help your dog get rid of the insects that bother them.

Lemongrass essential oil can also have a calming effect on your dogs, as it is one of the most versatile essential oils that have relaxing properties.

Must Read: Benefits of Using Eucalyptus Oil for Dogs

There are also some hazards related to lemongrass essential oil for your dogs:

Skin Irritation: 

Lemongrass essential oil is high in concentration, and a pure natural oil can also cause skin irritation to your dogs if it comes into contact with their skin. This can lead to redness, itching, and even blistering.

Possible Allergic Reactions: 

Dogs may also have an allergic reaction to lemongrass essential oil, which can manifest as hives, itching, and difficulty in breathing.

What Are The Symptoms Of Lemongrass Poisoning?

Following are some of the major symptoms of lemongrass poisoning or pet poison:

Ingestion Symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Abdominal pain
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Liver damage

Skin Symptoms:

• Redness
• Itching
• Blistering

Allergic Reactions:

• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of the face, ears, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing

*Note:These symptoms may not be specific to lemongrass poisoning and may also be caused by other factors. If you suspect your dog has ingested lemongrass or come into contact with it, seek veterinary care immediately. Apart from the above symptoms, you can also witness symptoms like stomach upsets and gastrointestinal upset effects.

How To Treat Lemongrass Poisoning?

If the dog has been poisoned by lemongrass, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately, so that appropriate treatment can be undertaken. This may include inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins, and providing supportive care such as fluids and medications to control symptoms. In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

The prognosis will depend on the amount of lemongrass ingested, the dog's overall health, and how quickly treatment is given. With prompt and appropriate treatment, the prognosis is generally good. However, if left untreated, lemongrass poisoning can be fatal.

Preventive Measures:

• Keep lemongrass plants and lemongrass-based products out of reach of dogs.
• Keep the oil in a secure place or in a closed box.
• Always consult with a veterinarian before using any lemongrass-based products on or around your dog.
• Avoid applying essential oils on the irritated skin of your dog, as it can further aggravate the situation.
• Watch for signs of toxicity and call your vet immediately if you suspect your dog has been poisoned by lemongrass.

How To Use Lemongrass Essential Oil For Dogs?

Diffusion

This is one of the most commonly used methods. You can use a diffuser to diffuse essential oil in the air. Make sure that you are diffusing essential oil in a well-ventilated room. Make sure that the doors of the room are open so that if the dog does not like it, it can go to a different room or outside. While using a diffuser, follow the instructions properly.

Inhalation

Inhalation is also a method that you can adopt to use lemongrass oil for your dogs. For this purpose, you can add a few drops of oil on a tissue or cloth and hold it near the nose of your pet. Avoid using too much essential oil, as it can irritate your dog.

Topical application

Before applying lemongrass essential oil topically, dilute it with carrier oil. Avoid applying oil on the area that can be easily liked by your dog, like paws, etc. Avoid using essential oils on the eyes or ears.

Tips for Using Lemongrass Essential Oil Safely Around Dogs

• Please consult your veterinarian if you are considering using lemongrass essential oil around your dog and want to be sure. The main benefit of this is that they will advise you on the appropriate use of the oil and help you determine if it is safe for your dog.
• If you do decide to use lemongrass essential oil around your dog, it is important to dilute it first. This can help to reduce the risk of skin irritation and other adverse effects.
• It is important to keep lemongrass essential oil out of reach at all times to ensure your dog's safety. So, always keep your essential oils in a secure cabinet or locked box and keep them away from areas where your dog has access.
• Watch for signs of toxicity: If you notice any signs of toxicity in your dog, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, seek advice from your veterinarian.

Summary

Lemongrass oil is safe to use around dogs if used as less potent oil, that is, if used in diluted form. While it can have benefits for humans, it can be toxic to dogs if ingested or if it comes into contact with their skin. If you are considering using the oil around your dog, it is important to contact your vet first and take appropriate precautions to ensure the safety of your pet.

If you have a lemongrass plant in your garden and your dog has eaten a lot of its leaves, it can cause problems. Dogs are not herbivores, but still, they tend to take things in their mouth, which can prove to be very dangerous. Also, you can experiment with different oils that are safe for dogs. It will also help in identifying the oils that are safe for your pet.