Lemongrass plants are very common in tropical regions. Native to South Asia, the aromatic plant has several species. The most popular one, called Cymbopogon citratus, is used in many Asian cuisines. It adds a citrusy flavor to the meals.
The presence of lemongrass in your garden can make your dog curious to take a bite due to the enchanting smell. Or maybe, you’re the curious one thinking if you can feed your dog lemongrass? Can dogs eat lemongrass? Is lemongrass safe for dogs to consume?
Can dogs eat lemongrass?
Lemongrass can be harmful to dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities. Ingesting a large amount of lemongrass can lead to gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Lemongrass is not immediately poisonous to a dog; the major concern lies in digesting it. Dogs are not herbivores. If consumed in a large amount, plants can be hard to digest for the pooch and can even lead to serious complications like an intestinal blockage.
What happens if your dog eats lemongrass?
If your dog ate a small amount of lemongrass, it will most likely not cause much damage. But, if swallowed in a large amount, lemongrass can cause some health complications ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to even an intestinal blockage.
Some health issues lemongrass can cause in dogs include:
- Vomiting: Grassy materials can be difficult to digest for dogs leading to nausea and vomiting.
- Loss of appetite: Lemongrass ingestion can cause constipation in dogs. This can result in major discomfort followed by a loss of appetite.
- Diarrhea: Eating a lot of lemongrass can cause acute stomach upset, leading to diarrhea.
- Fever: Fever can also be a side effect of eating a lot of lemongrass.
- Bloated abdomen: Excessive lemongrass consumption can cause a bloated abdomen. This happens due to your GI tract becomes filled with intestinal gases. Inability to digest food leads to stomach bloating.
- Intestinal blockage: All of the problems mentioned above can be a symptom of an intestinal blockage in the dog. Severe cases of intestinal blockages may also require immediate surgery.
If different symptoms occur, there is a chance you misidentified the plant, or some pesticides were sprayed on the lemongrass. Consult a veterinarian and get your dog checked.
What to do if your dog ate lemongrass?
The symptoms of lemongrass poisoning will occur within 24 hours after consumption. You need to take your pup to a veterinarian after it consumes a significant quantity of lemongrass. Treatment options depend upon the intensity of the condition.
The usual treatment plan for such cases goes like this:
- The diagnosis process will begin by using x-rays or ultrasound; the presence and exact position of the intestinal blockage will be determined. The vet may also take some blood samples.
- IV fluids will be given to the dog.
- To remove any possible toxins from pesticides, the procedure for induced vomiting will be performed. Activated charcoal may also be used to excrete the toxins.
- To flush out the clumped mass, fluid therapy may be used.
- In case of a severe or complete intestinal blockage, surgery will be performed to remove the blockage and heal the damage it caused.
Is there any benefit of lemongrass in dogs?
While the herb may not be suitable to be fed to your pooch, there are some other benefits lemongrass has to offer for dogs.
Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Moreover, its essential oil is a great flea repellent. Mix a small amount of essential oil in ½ cup of water and spray it on your dog’s bedding.
Keep in mind not to directly spray it on the dog’s fur. There are chances of your pooch licking it. Lemongrass essential oil can be toxic for your dog. Directly applying it to a dog’s skin can also cause irritable itching.
What other herbs to avoid feeding your dog?
Some other herbs that can be dangerous for a dog besides lemongrass include:
- Chamomile
- Tomato plants
- Chives
- Onion
- Garlic
- Leeks
- Hops
What herbs are safe to feed your dog?
There are some alternative herbs to lemongrass that are secure to feed your canine. The list of dog-friendly herbs includes:
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon
- Turmeric
- Basil
- Aloe vera
- Ginger
Related FAQs to dogs and lemongrass!
Why do my dogs like to eat lemongrass?
Dogs usually eat lemongrass or any other type of grass when there is a stomach disorder going on. Another reason can be the exotic smell of lemongrass which attracts them.
Is lemongrass toxic to animals?
Lemongrass can be toxic to some animals. The herb should not be given to cats, dogs, and some other animals. There are other safe herbs you can give to your lovely pet.
Is lemongrass essential oil safe for dogs?
Lemongrass essential oil for dogs is unsafe for consumption. You should also avoid using it on your dog’s skin. It is a good bug repellant, and the best way to use it as such is by spraying it in your garden or at places where your dog spends most of the day.
Can dogs eat lemongrass chicken?
Whether it be dried or fresh lemongrass, given separately or mixed with foods, lemongrass is not safe for your dog. Dogs should not be given anything with lemongrass content present in it.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat lemongrass!
Lemongrass and dogs are not a good match. You can grow it in your garden to experience a refreshing aroma and also help keep the nasty insects away, but giving it to your dog as food should be avoided. If there is lemongrass in your garden, make sure your dog is not sneakily ingesting it. Try to make it as inaccessible to the pooch as possible.
