Lavender is great for people, but if you share your home with a four-legged friend, you've probably wondered whether it's safe for them too. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's pet-friendly.
How it affects your pet depends on what kind of animal they are, what form the lavender is in, and how much they're exposed to.
Here's what every pet parent should know.
Dogs and Cats Aren’t the Same When It Comes to Lavender
The ASPCA lists lavender as toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. That sounds scary, and it can be, but for most pets the plant itself causes little more than an upset stomach if they eat it. The real questions are how much, and in what form.
Dogs are generally more tolerant. A curious sniff of the lavender bed or a nibble of a flower usually won't cause more than a mild tummy ache, if anything at all. Problems are more likely when a dog eats a large amount of plant material or gets into concentrated products like essential oil.
Cats are far more sensitive to lavender, especially in concentrated forms, and they need extra caution.
Why Cats Are More Sensitive to Lavender
It comes down to how a cat's liver works. Their livers break down the components of lavender much more slowly.
Cats also have a few habits that increase their exposure:
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Grooming. Oil droplets from a diffuser or a scented spray can settle on fur, and cats lick them right off.
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Small bodies. A little exposure goes a lot further in an eight-pound cat than in a sixty-pound dog.
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Sensitive airways. Cats with asthma or other respiratory issues can react to strong scents in the air.
This is why veterinarians are especially cautious about lavender essential oil around cats. It's also worth knowing that birds, small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and reptiles have sensitive respiratory systems, so strong scents should be kept away from them too.
When Lavender Is Low-Risk (and When It Isn’t)
The biggest factor is concentration. A dried lavender sprig and a bottle of essential oil come from the same plant, but they differ wildly in how much linalool they deliver.
Generally lower risk:
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A garden plant, for a dog that doesn't chew plants
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Dried lavender bundles, wreaths, or sachets kept out of your pet's reach
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Lavender soaps, lotions, and lip balms once they've soaked in
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A lightly scented candle in a well-ventilated room your pet can leave freely (and never left unattended)
Higher risk:
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Essential oil on your pet's skin, paws, or fur
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Essential oil licked from a spill, bottle, or your hands
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Diffusers running in a closed room with a cat
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Liquid potpourri and simmer pots
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Torn-open sachets or large amounts of the plant eaten at once
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Lavender treats and baked goods made for people
Signs of Sensitivity or Toxicity
If your pet has gotten into a lavender plant, the most common signs are mild: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, not wanting to eat, or pawing at their mouth. These usually pass, but it's still worth a call to your vet.
Essential oil exposure, especially in cats, can look more serious. Watch for wobbly walking, trembling, unusual sleepiness or weakness, coughing or wheezing, watery eyes, or red, irritated skin where the oil touched. Sometimes you'll even notice a lavender smell on their breath or fur.
If you think your pet has been exposed, bring them into fresh air and gently wash any oil off their fur with a mild dish soap. Don't try to make them throw up. Then call your vet, an emergency clinic, or a poison hotline: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (a fee may apply). Having the product nearby will help them figure out what's going on quickly.
Safe Ways to Enjoy Lavender with Pets
The good news is that lavender and pets can absolutely share a home. It just takes a little more thought.
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Keep it out of reach. Hang dried bundles high, tuck sachets into drawers and closets, and place plants where curious noses and paws can't get to them.
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Choose gentle forms. Dried lavender and lightly scented products carry far less risk than concentrated oils.
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Wash your hands after using essential oils, rollers, or lotions before petting or feeding your animals.
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Give them an exit. Whenever you're using a scented product, make sure your pet can leave the room and that there's good airflow.
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Start small and watch. Introduce one new product at a time and notice how your pet reacts.
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Garden with care. Lavender is a lovely garden plant, and most dogs will leave it alone. If you have a chewer, fence off the bed or plant it where they don't roam.
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Talk to your vet. If your pet has asthma, liver issues, or is very young, old, or pregnant, check with your veterinarian before bringing new scents into the home.
Lavender can be part of a peaceful, pet-friendly home. When in doubt, keep lavender out of reach.
We love lavender, and we love our animals too. With a little mindfulness, you can enjoy both.
This post is for general information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice. If you have concerns about your pet's health, contact your veterinarian.
