Is Citronella Plant Safe For Dogs

Whether you’re looking for a small plant for your windowsill or some flowers for the front yard, it’s important to make sure your plants are non-toxic and safe for dogs. This article has 4 lists of plants that will protect your furry friend while still bringing color and life in and around your home, including plants like:

Like a lot of us as of late, I work from home. Working and living in the same place can make your home feel more stressful. And I don’t know about you, but I like my home to be my personal little haven where I can relax.

Our pets can definitely help with that, but so can bringing a little of the outdoors in. Plants are a great way to do this, and they help clean our air too!

Personally, I love plants. But I have no green thumb. I like easy keepers. One of my goals is to decorate with more plants that I am qualified to manage.

As adorable as puppies are, anyone who’s ever had a new puppy in the house knows they love getting into things they’re not supposed to. Anything’s fair game, and everything they see is something new to sniff, investigate, and (usually) chew. However, even adult dogs can get in on the mischief.

If a curious pup eats a plant that’s toxic or poisonous to dogs, it could cause stomach upsets or seizures. It certain situations it could even be fatal. This is why it’s so important for you to make sure that any plants in and around your house are plants safe for dogs so your furry companions can stay safe and healthy.

NOTE: If you suspect your pup has eaten something toxic or poisonous, please call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. A veterinarian will be helping you, so a consultation fee may apply.

I’ve only included plants that the ASPCA says are non-toxic to dogs in the lists on this page.

Citronella is toxic to pets

Citronella candles and oils are a popular mosquito repellent, but the citronella plant is toxic to pets. Use caution when using citronella products around your pet, and make sure they don’t have access to any citronella plants in your garden.

Citronella geraniums (Pelargonium cv. ‘Citrosa’) are popular patio plants that are purported to ward off pesky insects such as mosquitoes, although no scientific evidence supports this claim. Is citronella safe for pets? If you grow scented geraniums in the Pelargonium family, be sure to keep your dogs and cats away. Scented geraniums are toxic to pets.

Dogs or cats who rub up against the plants may experience dermatitis – a skin irritation or rash. According to the ASPCA, eating the plants could cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting. Cats and dogs also could experience muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination, depression, or even hypothermia if enough of the plant is ingested. Cats are most susceptible.

“Since citronella sprays are applied topically, they can cause skin irritation or rash, especially in high concentrations,” she says. “Because our pets groom themselves, there is the potential for ingestion and GI irritation if consumed in high concentrations. If it gets in the eyes, it can cause irritation, too.”

Matejka says the plants essential oils and tannic acid are gastrointestinal irritants for pets. This could result in your pup having abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Aah, the smell of summer. Citronella candles have been widely advertised as a seasonal essential to prevent bloodthirsty mosquitoes from getting anywhere near you or your pooch. However, studies show citronella candles dont give much protection due to their low concentration of … well, citronella.

As with any treatment, consult your vet to make sure its a suitable option for your pup.

A veterinarian shares what you need to know about citronella, along with other safe mosquito-repelling methods to try.

Mosquito Repellent Plants That Are Safe for a Dog Lover’s Home

Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying little pests that cause itchy, annoying welts. They actually are how dogs get heartworms!

Having plants around your house that repel mosquitoes can help protect you and your canine companions from many different diseases.

However, since our dogs will probably be outside to go on walks or just to do their business, it’s a good idea to make sure the plants near our homes are non-toxic and safe for dogs in case your pup decides to have a taste.

Here are five dog-safe plants with mosquito-repellent properties:

  • Basil – also great for cooking!
  • Catnip – repels mosquitoes, but may also attract your neighbor’s cats.
  • Lemon Balm – side benefit: bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies love this plant!
  • Marigolds – these flowers repel mosquitoes and also look lovely in a garden.
  • Rosemary – another plant that’s great in the kitchen – and also attracts butterflies! (This plant is not safe for dogs that are prone to seizures.)
  • Is Citronella Plant Safe For Dogs

    Warning: Do NOT use citronella plants to repel mosquitoes if you have a dog. Citronella is deadly to dogs.

    Note: Peppermint and lavender are often recommended as dog-safe pest repellents, but the ASPCA says they are toxic to dogs (ASPCA information on mint and on lavender). Some people say that’s just the Pennyroyal variety and that small amounts of peppermint and spearmint are actually helpful to dogs, but please use caution if you’re thinking about adding these plants to your garden.

    FAQ

    What happens if my dog eats citronella plant?

    According to the ASPCA, eating the plants could cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting. Cats and dogs also could experience muscle weakness, loss of muscle coordination, depression, or even hypothermia if enough of the plant is ingested. Cats are most susceptible.

    Does citronella smell affect dogs?

    Simply breathing in a candle’s fumes—citronella-scented or not—can be harmful to your dog, especially if your pup has asthma or any other breathing issues. “It is best to keep your pet away from citronella candles,” Matejka says.