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Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 10/08/2016Updated: 07/23/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVS
What is Lavender Poisoning?
Although Lavandula Angustifolia does contain the noxious compound linalool, it is in low enough concentrations to consider the plant itself as non-toxic. For this reason, lavender is often listed a safe plant to grow in gardens where dogs are allowed to roam free. Diluted lavender oil is sometimes used to combat allergic symptoms in dogs due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects. Dogs can develop allergies to the oil or pollen of the lavender plant, and dogs' digestive systems are not designed to process large quantities of plant material. Eating excessive amounts of vegetation can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages in canines, and should be discouraged.
Lavandula angustifolia, more commonly known as Lavender, is an aromatic shrub that produces distinctive purple flowers on tall, leafless stems. Lavender is sometimes listed as an addition to dog-friendly gardens.
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Symptoms of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
Lavender plants are generally non-toxic in nature, however, if sufficient quantities of the vegetation are consumed, it can result in dangerous intestinal blockages. Symptoms of intestinal obstruction usually occur around 24 hours after the consumption of something indigestible. Symptoms of severe intestinal blockage could include:
- Abdominal pain
- Distended abdomen
- Fever
- Inability to pass stool
- Loss of appetite
- Shock
- Straining on defecation
- Vomiting
Extremely high doses of the noxious compound linalool can also result in minor gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
Types
Lavender is a multipurpose plant and may be introduced to your pet in a number of ways that have very little to do with a garden.
Essential oil - Lavender essential oil has been used as a healing agent for centuries; to soothe and repair skin irritation or abrasions on human skin and to calm anxiety, as well as repelling many pest insects. Lavender essential oil can be somewhat irritating to your dog’s skin if it is applied at full strength so should be diluted before use.
Fragrance - Lavender is commonly used in soaps, lotions, and shampoos due to the pleasant scent. The scent of lavender is known to ease stress and calm the mind.
Food - Lavender flowers make a great addition to your kitchen, either dried or fresh, and can be used in baking, syrups, and even as an ingredient in a rub for pork or lamb. Lavender is also a component in the prevalent french herbal mix known as Herbs de Provence.
Causes of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
Even dog-friendly additions to gardens can be a source of hazards. Although the risk is small, keen observation of your pet's behavior is the best way to ensure prompt medical treatment for unanticipated incidents.
Bee stings - Although lavender plants are repellent to most insects, bees are very attracted to the nectar. Bee and wasp stings are usually a minor annoyance and can easily be handled at home. Signs such as hives, swelling and trouble breathing will become apparent if your dog develops an allergy to bee or wasp venom, and the animal should be rushed to the nearest veterinarian.
Intestinal blockages - The digestive system of dogs is not designed to handle large quantities of vegetation. In general, dogs do not tend to eat substantial amounts of garden plants. In some cases, dogs may develop pica or an overwhelming craving for non-food items. This can cause the animal to consume unusually large amounts of inappropriate materials, including vegetation, which can lead to intestinal blockages.
Pesticides - Even non-toxic plants may be treated with decidedly toxic pesticides. If symptoms of pesticide poisoning occur after your pet has sampled any plant, you should contact your veterinarian without delay. Canines that have ingested pesticides will exhibit signs such as tremors, vomiting, seizures, and breathing difficulties.
Diagnosis of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
As the lavender plant is generally non-toxic, if your pet develops symptoms beyond minor episodes of vomiting or diarrhea, it is usually due to a secondary disorder or misidentification of the plant, therefore the symptoms that your pet is exhibiting will direct the diagnostic testing. A urinalysis is likely to be requested at this time as well as a complete blood count and biochemistry profile. These tests will help to detect if there are any imbalances or toxins in your canine’s system. The veterinarian will also complete a physical examination at this time, most likely concentrating on the abdominal area. If the distress is due to an intestinal blockage, the examiner may discover that the abdomen is extremely sensitive to touch and might even find a mass where the foliage has clumped together. This finding will prompt a recommendation for further imaging. X-ray or ultrasound technology may be selected to visualize any obstructions, and a barium study may be included in these tests.
If the symptoms are indicative of a poisoning, you will be asked for further information about your pet’s recent health history and any opportunities for inappropriate eating. Any material that is vomited up or found in the stool will be evaluated to determine its origin and toxicity. Tests to check for other possible pesticides or other plant-based toxins will also be completed at this time in an attempt to uncover the underlying cause.
Treatment of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment will be guided by the symptoms and by the final diagnosis. If the dog is exhibiting signs of distress, supportive treatment such as the administration of IV fluids or supplemental oxygen may be begun before a diagnosis is determined. In the event that the symptoms are being caused by an intestinal blockage, therapies such as fluid therapy are frequently utilized to speed the mass through the system. Until the mass has exited the gastrointestinal system, imaging will be repeated periodically in order to track its movement. In severe blockages, surgery will be required, not only to remove the mass, but also to correct any damage the blockage caused.
In the event of an allergic reaction, anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well as antihistamines to reduce the itching and swelling associated with the disorder. If the symptoms are pointing to ingestion of an actual toxin, such as an alternate plant or pesticides applied to the lavender, then appropriate steps will need to be taken to remove the particular toxin that was ingested. These measures could include inducing vomiting, gastric irrigation, the use of activated charcoal, and poison specific antidotes.
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Recovery of Lavender Poisoning in Dogs
Although the lavender plant by itself is only mildly noxious, it is important to be alert to other possible risks associated with this plant. Even safe plants can be attractive to unsafe insects or be sprayed with toxic pesticides, and consuming too much vegetation can cause your dog gastrointestinal distress or blockage. A pet who suddenly develops the urge to eat large amounts of vegetation or other inappropriate items may be responding to vitamin deficiencies, brain lesions, or circulatory abnormalities and should be checked by a veterinarian. The best way to keep your pet safe is by careful observation of their behavior and environment.
Lavender Poisoning Average Cost
From 394 quotes ranging from $200 - $600
Average Cost
$400
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Lavender Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltipoo
Obi
18 Months
14 found this helpful
14 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchiness
We caught our 18 month old Maltipoo eating a vile of lavender oil. He's about 18 lbs and ingested about an 1.5 ounces of the oil. Should we be concerned?
Read
May 19, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
14 Recommendations
Lavender oil in general is a mild toxin, but because Obi is quite small and actually ate a fair amount of concentrated oil, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian, to have an examination and stomach protectants, as well as any other supportive care that might be needed. I hope that he is okay.
May 19, 2018
We monitored him for 24 hrs. He's had no vomiting or diarrhea. We're hoping most of the oil ended up in his fur or in the carpet. But will continue to monitor him for any change.
May 21, 2018
Obi's Owner
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Golden Retriever and Labrador
Ossa
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Anxiety, Restless
I have an old large breed girl who will be 14 in 2-months. She is on CBD and Galliprant for relief from old-age pain as she has little to no muscle mass left in her hind legs and biceps. She has always had an anxious side to her personality and as hearing and sight loss are happening, a bit of dementia is beginning to occur in that she is restless, especially at night.
Is it safe to add 2 to 4 drops of Majestic Pure Lavender Oil, Natural, Therapeutic Grade, Premium Quality Blend of Lavender Essential Oil, 4 fl. Oz to her water bowl which we change twice a day? I do rub a diluted lavender and Roman Chamomile in carrier oil on her a couple times a day, but there are times like before bed (she sleeps with us) that we really need her to mellow out.
My research is conflicting on whether this is safe for her or not. She weighs 53-pounds. Advice?
She sees her veterinarian annually for full blood panel and physical - has every one of her nearly 14-years. Her vet and I are holistically minded and other than being OLD, she's not sick - just has restless periods during the day and sometimes when we are trying to sleep.
Jan. 31, 2018
0 Recommendations
My own experience is that I have seen more trouble with the use of essential oils than benefits and generally recommend that if the product isn’t a commercially produced product specifically for dogs (or whichever species) then to stay away. Drops of essential oils can be damaging to health and cause poisoning events; it is recommended that any oil is use at less than 1% when mixed with a carrier oil. I wouldn’t recommend using the oil, but your Veterinarian may have other suggestions if they are more holistically inclined than myself. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Feb. 1, 2018
That's a shame that as a veterinarian you see a holistic approach that way. My experience 50-years, as well as my vet's, are that these holistic steps are healthier and more helpful. It's ALWAYS best to stay away from medication when possible, but we are all part of the earth and from what I've seen, the earth can heal many of our ailments safer and better than medicine. As always, I've continued to do my own research on the question I asked above and the answer is NO not the essential oil. I can - and will - however infuse lavender (food grade) water and that we can all safely enjoy.
Feb. 1, 2018
Ossa's Owner
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Lavender Poisoning Average Cost
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Average Cost
$400
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