Are Lemons Toxic to Pets?
Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to cats. Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to dogs. Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to horses.
PawSafe Check is for general information only and is not veterinary advice. Always contact your veterinarian or a poison control service if you think your pet has been exposed.
- Scientific name
- Citrus limon
- Toxic compound
- Essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens
- Toxic parts
- Peel, seeds, leaves; small amounts of flesh are low risk
- Also known as
- limes, lime, citrus
Symptoms
Cats (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Dogs (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
Horses (mildly toxic)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Drooling
- Reduced appetite
What to do
If your cat ate lemons
- Remove any plant material from your cat's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your cat is small, young or elderly.
If your dog ate lemons
- Remove any plant material from your dog's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your dog is small, young or elderly.
If your horse ate lemons
- Remove any plant material from your horse's mouth and keep it out of reach.
- Gently rinse the mouth and offer fresh water.
- Call your vet if symptoms persist, get worse, or your horse is small, young or elderly.
Good to know
Lemon and lime peels and plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Concentrated citrus oils are more dangerous, especially for cats.
Is your pet covered for emergency vet bills?
Compare pet insurance quotes →
Frequently asked questions
Are lemons toxic to cats?
Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to cats. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Are lemons toxic to dogs?
Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to dogs. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Are lemons toxic to horses?
Yes — lemons are mildly toxic to horses. Common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling.
Which parts of lemons are toxic?
Peel, seeds, leaves; small amounts of flesh are low risk.
What makes lemons toxic?
Essential oils (limonene, linalool) and psoralens.