Is Lavender Safe for Dogs: Our Vet Explains Safety & Toxicity

You no doubt have heard conflicting information about using lavender around dogs, with the question being whether it’s safe to do so. Lavender is considered toxic to dogs based on the data provided by the ASPCA, but this will greatly depend on the ingested amount and form of lavender, be it plant or essential oil product.1 Many lavender products do not actually contain high enough lavender concentrations and are unlikely to cause significant health issues unless they are essential oils. Hopefully, we can help you deal with this quandary by explaining what lavender is, how it’s used, and whether it’s safe for dogs.

What Is Lavender?

Lavender, or Lavandula angustifolia, or Lavandula officinalis, is a shrubby plant that tends to grow on sunny, rocky hillsides. It produces a fragrant purple flower that is the source of all its medicinal magic. Oil extracted from lavender blossoms has been used to help calm anxiety and stress, promote sleep, and help reduce pain. It may also possess antibacterial and antiviral capabilities.

Lavender oil has been incorporated into many human calming lotions, ointments, soaps, sprays, and supplements. It has also been used to promote hair growth on balding scalps.

What About Lavender Products For Dogs?

You may see the same kinds of products, including calming sprays, shampoos, and oils, available for canines that suffer from stress and anxiety. It’s also sometimes part of natural bug-repellent products. However, most of these products are not regulated by the FDA and may contain varying amounts of lavender, meaning they may not be effective as per their stated purpose, or they may lead to unwanted side effects. It’s important to always consult with your vet before considering such products.

But here’s where most of the confusion comes in. According to the ASPCA, lavender is toxic to dogs when consumed in significant amounts.1 The plant contains a compound called linalool, which can lead to signs of digestive upset in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, and inappetence—if they eat enough of it. The interesting part is that fresh lavender doesn’t contain as high concentrations of linalool, but the essential oil version does. There haven’t been many reports on the toxicity of lavender in dogs so the exact dose range remains unknown, and while it’s unlikely that such a small amount usually present in lavender products will cause any significant side effects, it’s still something to be aware of.

Ultimately, different types of lavender products may have varying effects on dogs depending on the amount and concentration of linalool. Still, if considering whether lavender may have beneficial effects on dogs, as it has on humans when used very conservatively, further research is required. Inadvertent ingestion of lavender essential oil, depending on the concentration and the amount, can lead to severe digestive and neurological signs in your dog, while inhalation may cause respiratory difficulties. Make sure you speak to your veterinarian before using lavender products around your pet so you choose a method and product that is safe for them.

The same goes for using a calming spray for trips to the vet or applying a calming shampoo when your dog is overly stressed. Always make sure the lavender product that you’re using is safe and approved for dogs by first talking to your vet.

Potential Side Effects of Lavender in Dogs

The biggest issue regarding lavender and canines is when it is ingested or inhaled. A high concentration of linalool can cause digestive problems. Keep lavender essential oil safely stored and away from your pet. They’ll also have issues if they eat lavender oil-containing products, such as lotions, creams, or supplements.

Some dogs may even have reactions to diffused lavender essential oil or scented candles. If your dog has a sensitive respiratory system, they can be wheezing or coughing or have watery eyes or even difficulty breathing if they’re exposed to high concentrations of the diffused oil.

You may also see skin irritation or another allergic reaction if you inadvertently get any on your dog’s skin. Speak to your vet before using any product on your pup, as their safety will greatly depend on the ingredients and their amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is It Safe for Dogs to Smell Lavender?

The answer to this depends. Sniffing a fresh lavender plant shouldn’t cause any problems, but smelling diffused lavender essential oil may cause a reaction, depending on your dog and the concentration of the product. Generally speaking, canines should not be exposed to diffused essential oils of any kind, especially in a confined space.

Smelling a product, such as a shampoo or soap, that contains lavender shouldn’t lead to any issues, though, as these generally contain very small amounts of lavender.

Can I Spray Lavender on My Dog’s Bed?

Sprays scented with lavender can be calming and help induce sleep for humans, but spraying your dog’s bed with one of these sprays is generally not recommended or needed, as it remains unknown if they have any calming or beneficial effects on canines, while they may cause respiratory irritation. You should talk to your vet to make sure your pet doesn’t have any health concerns that could make them even more sensitive, such as underlying bronchitis or another respiratory issue. Keep the product stored in an area where your pup can’t get it.

Can Dogs Be in a Room With Lavender Essential Oils?

The aroma of lavender can be a great calmer all around, but it needs to be diffused safely. Generally speaking, you shouldn’t diffuse any essential oil around your dog in a confined space because their respiratory system may have a reaction to it, they may spill it or accidentally ingest it. That said, you may be able to dilute the essential oil to a safer concentration or diffuse it in a larger area so the oil isn’t as concentrated. Speak to your vet first to find out if diffusing lavender is the right choice for your dog.

Conclusion

Lavender takes on many forms but is considered toxic for dogs if ingested in a significant amount. Most lavender products luckily do not contain a significant or large enough amount of pure lavender extract, while a bigger concern exists with concentrated products such as essential oils. Being around fresh or dried lavender is typically safer depending on the amount, but ingesting lavender essential oil should be avoided at all costs. Before considering any lavender or lavender-containing products on your dog, talk to your veterinarian to make sure your product of choice is safe and to learn how to use it properly.

• Also see: My Dog Ate Lavender Plant! What Should I Do? (Vet Answer)

Featured Image Credit: Mouse23, Pixabay