§ Toxic plants · Rutaceae · Checked Oct 2026
Is lemon toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Lemon (Citrus limonia) is toxic to cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Plant Smart rates its effects Severe, level 3 of 4.
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§ 010 · Signs
What to watch for
Signs include weak pulse, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, dry mouth, wobbliness or poor coordination, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, coma, dullness or depression and skin irritation. Signs can start within hours; some take a day or more to show.
§ 020 · If it happened
What to do if your pet ate it
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline straight away, even if your pet seems fine: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline, (855) 764-7661. Both are open 24 hours and charge a fee. Have the plant or a photo of it to hand, and don’t make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
§ 030 · Same family
Other Rutaceae plants toxic to pets
Lemon belongs to the Rutaceae family. ASPCA lists these relatives too.
§ 040 · Questions
Questions about lemon and pets
Is lemon toxic to cats?
Yes. ASPCA lists lemon as toxic to cats.
Is lemon toxic to dogs?
Yes. ASPCA lists lemon as toxic to dogs.
What happens if my pet eats lemon?
Signs include weak pulse, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, dry mouth, wobbliness or poor coordination, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, coma, dullness or depression and skin irritation. Plant Smart rates it Severe, level 3 of 4.
What should I do if my pet ate it?
Call your vet or a pet poison hotline right away, even before signs appear: the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. Both charge a fee. Have the plant, or a photo of it, to hand.
What else is lemon called?
Lemon is also sold or known as rangpur.