Is it toxic to dogs?
Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia · Lamiaceae
Also called English lavender, Common lavender
Toxic to dogs
Severity: Mild
Yes, though only mildly. The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs. Eating the plant can cause nausea, vomiting and a lack of appetite, and concentrated lavender oil is a separate and more serious concern.
- Toxic parts
- Leaves and flowers (the sources do not single out one part)
- Toxic compounds
- Linalool, linalyl acetate
- Where you’ll find it
- House and garden
Signs of poisoning
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite (inappetence)
Why it’s harmful to dogs
Lavender is the silvery, fragrant shrub that perfumes garden paths and dried sachets. Its scent comes from essential oils that include linalool and linalyl acetate, the same compounds the ASPCA names as toxic to dogs.
The ASPCA's signs are nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. That is a short, gentle list, and it suggests a dog that gnaws a stem is likely to end up with an upset stomach rather than a crisis. Concentrated oil is a different matter. The AKC says lavender is among the essential oils that are toxic to pets, and the Merck Veterinary Manual explains that oils are absorbed through both the gut and the skin and should never be put on pets in concentrated form.
The real risks come from dogs eating lots of plant, or licking oil, sachets or sprays.
If your dog ate lavender
Move your dog away from the plant or product so no more can be eaten or licked. For a nibble of the plant, watch for vomiting and low appetite. For oil, the AKC says possible poisoning is urgent and shouldn't be watched and waited on.
Call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply), if your dog ate oil, a sachet or a large amount of plant, or if signs persist. Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Don't try to make your dog vomit at home.
Keeping your dog safe
Plant lavender in beds your dog doesn't patrol, and keep sachets, sprays and essential oils in closed cabinets. Don't apply oils to your dog or let your dog lick them off skin; the AKC advises against using essential oils unless a vet recommends them.
If you love herb gardens, rosemary and basil are friendlier picks. Practice "leave it" around fragrant plants.
Dog-safe alternatives
Frequently asked questions
Is lavender essential oil safe for dogs?
The AKC lists lavender among essential oils that are toxic to pets and advises avoiding oils unless your vet recommends them.
Is lavender in the garden dangerous?
The ASPCA lists mild signs: nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. A nibble usually means an upset stomach.
Which part of lavender is toxic?
The sources do not name a single part. The fragrant oils sit in the flowers and leaves, so keep both out of your dog's mouth.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy