Flowers & Plants

Can dogs and cats eat lavender?

Short answer on lavender: toxic for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.

If your pet ate this, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

One food, two pets

What changes between dogs and cats?

Dogs and cats both have a toxic verdict.

Dogs and cats get the same answer here. Each column below lists its own signs to watch and sources.

Toxic

Lavender is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Toxic principle: linalool and linalyl acetate

Watch for

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-28

Toxic

Lavender is toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Toxic principle: linalool and linalyl acetate

Watch for

Sources

Reviewed 2026-07-28

Can dogs eat lavender?

Lavender is toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

What should I do if my dog ate lavender?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with lavender and dogs?

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

Can cats eat lavender?

Lavender is toxic to cats. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

What should I do if my cat ate lavender?

Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.

What symptoms should I watch for with lavender and cats?

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. If you notice any of these, contact your veterinarian.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.

Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.