No. Lemongrass imparts a wonderful flavor to your tea and you often use lemongrass incense to repel bugs. You are probably thinking of planting a few sprigs in your garden. But is it safe for dogs?

Definitely not for consumption! 

Dogs should not eat lemongrass as it is toxic to them. The cyanogenic glycosides in lemongrass can cause serious toxicity in dogs, resulting in debilitating symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Don’t worry- if your dog has eaten a few twigs of lemongrass, it should be fine. However, If you think it has eaten a large quantity of lemongrass or is showing signs of cyanogenic glycoside toxicity, please do not wait any longer and see your vet immediately.

Remember that the thick stems of lemongrass could also cause choking in young pups and, if swallowed, might even result in intestinal blockages. Some lemongrass blades are extremely sharp and could hurt your dog’s delicate mouth. 

There are certain safe ways of using lemongrass around dogs. For example, you could add a few drops of lemongrass essential oil to your pet’s bathwater or dog shampoo. You could place cotton balls soaked in lemongrass essential oil all around your pet’s bedding to repel fleas and ticks. But, please do not let your dog lick the oil. Also, note that some sensitive dogs have been known to develop skin allergies due to lemongrass oil. 

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping you pup healthy.