My Dog Ate Lemongrass Will He Get Sick?

Do you grow lemongrass in the garden? Has your dog eaten it every once in a while? Then you’ll probably want to read this and learn if lemongrass is safe for your canine companion or not!

What is Lemongrass?

Lemongrass is an herb that smells very similar to a lemon. It looks somewhat like a green onion, with a long leafy top and white bottom. The scientific name of this herb is Cymbopogon citratus. This is a plant that’s common to Southeast Asia and is commonly used in Thai cooking.

Lemongrass can be used either fresh or dried. Some people say that dried lemongrass tastes more woodsy. However, it is tangy and has a hint of ginger. It can be used in soups or other dishes that are simmered.

Is lemongrass safe for dogs?

Lemongrass & Dogs

According to the ASPCA, lemongrass is toxic to dogs. If a dog eats a large amount of this herb, he can be come very sick. You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten lemongrass:

• Abdominal pain
• Bloated abdomen
• Fever
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Shock
• Vomiting

Another issue that can develop is an intestinal blockage. This is a life-threatening medical emergency and could be caused by a dog who ate a lot of lemongrass. Because lemongrass is fibrous, it could become lodged in the dog’s intestine.

If you know or suspect that your dog has eaten lemongrass, it’s a good idea to call your vet right away. This may not be a medical emergency, but your dog will need to be treated as soon as possible.

Treatment of Lemongrass Toxicity in Dogs

The vet will perform a physical exam of your dog, and then will run lab work. They may also do an x-ray to check your dog for an intestinal blockage.

When it comes to treatment, the type of treatment will depend on your dog’s symptoms. For instance, the vet may give your dog an IV with fluids to help your dog rehydrate. They may also be required to perform surgery if your dog has an intestinal blockage.

As you can see, lemongrass can be very bad for dogs. If you have lemongrass in your garden, you may need to move it to another part of the yard your dog can’t access. While this is unpleasant, it’s even worse if your dog becomes very sick from eating lemongrass.