Is Lemon Tree toxic to dogs?
Lemon trees are an irritant to dogs (S2 Irritant): the essential oils and psoralens in the peel, leaves, and stems can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and possible dermatitis — the ASPCA notes the fruit itself is edible.
- TOXINessential oils, psoralens
- WHAT TO EXPECTvomiting; diarrhea; depression
- CALL THE VETCall your vet if vomiting or diarrhea persists or worsens, your dog seems unusually quiet or stops eating, or a skin reaction spreads.
Symptoms
| SIGN |
|---|
| vomiting |
| diarrhea |
| depression |
| dermatitis (potential) |
If your dog just ate it
Same floor look, minus the risk
3 floor plants graded S0 — non-toxic on record.
Care at a glance
FAQ
Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?
Yes, with the same record as for cats. The ASPCA lists lemon as "Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats, Toxic to Horses": the essential oils and psoralens in the peel and plant material can cause "Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis," while "Fruit is edible." Dogs are more likely than cats to pick up fallen fruit and chew through the peel, which is where the oils are. The grade is S2 Irritant on our lemon tree page for dogs. Clear fallen fruit and leaves, and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, or irritated skin; if signs persist, call your vet.
Is it the lemon fruit or the tree that is the problem?
The tree and the peel, not the flesh. The ASPCA's lemon entry draws the line itself: "Fruit is edible, skins and plant material can cause problems." The toxic principles it lists are "Essential oils and psoralens," and the signs are "Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis" — a stomach upset plus a possible skin reaction, which is why the plant grades S2 Irritant rather than S1. The ASPCA gives the same record, word for word, for lime. If a cat has chewed leaves, twigs, or peel, move the plant out of reach and watch for vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, or irritated skin; call your vet if signs persist or worsen.
Do lime trees get the same verdict as lemon trees?
Yes — on the ASPCA record they are the same entry twice. The ASPCA's Lime page (Citrus aurantifolia) repeats its Lemon page word for word: toxic principles "Essential oils and psoralens," and signs of "Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis. Fruit is edible, skins and plant material can cause problems." So a potted lime is the same S2 Irritant as a potted lemon, for the same reason — the peel, leaves, and stems, not the flesh. We have not transcribed the ASPCA's other citrus entries, so this answer stops at lemon and lime. If a pet has chewed leaves or peel, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, low energy, or irritated skin; if signs persist, call your vet.