Yes, lavender plants are toxic to dogs.
Lavandula or lavender is a genus that belongs to the flowering family, Lamiaceae. It is a popular plant because of its beautiful blooms and sweet, delicate smell. It can be grown outdoors directly in the soil or indoors in potted containers. However, it needs to receive as much light as possible for it to thrive.
Also known as common lavender and English lavender, this fragrant plant is poisonous to dogs. Similarly, cats can also suffer from eating lavender. The plant contains linalool and linalyl acetate, which causes digestive upset when consumed. Nausea, vomiting, and decrease in appetite are common effects.
What to do if your dog accidentally comes into contact with, chews, or eats lavender: Take the remaining parts of the plant away from your dog, and try to determine how much he ate. Keep your eye on him for symptoms of poisoning. Aside from the previously mentioned signs, watch for abnormal heart rate, agitation, convulsions, diarrhea, drooling, and pale gums. He may also experience tremors, unsteadiness on feet, and difficulty in breathing.
Wag! reports that large quantities of the plant can cause intestinal blockage. This may manifest a day after consumption. Signs include abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, fever, inability or straining to defecate, loss of appetite, shock, and vomiting.
In addition to eating the lavender plant, dogs exposed to pure lavender essential oil may experience breathing difficulties. They may even lose consciousness.
In summary: Popularly used in traditional medicine and cosmetics, lavender has countless benefits for humans. However, it is recommended that dog owners refrain from keeping this particular plant or its essential oil form to avoid accidents from occuring.
Aside from lavender, discover which plants and flowers are unsafe for canines. Check out the lists by ASPCA, PetMD, and Pet Poison Helpline.
References:
Dog poisoning: Signs of poisoning in dogs and what you need to do
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