Is Lavender Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

A small nibble is rarely a concern; contact a vet only if a large quantity was eaten or the essential oil itself was ingested, which is far more concentrated than the plant.

The toxic component in Lavender is small amounts of linalool and linalyl acetate.

Lavender's toxicity is minor enough that a nibble of the plant itself is rarely worth a vet call, but the concentrated essential oil sold for aromatherapy is a different story — the plant and the oil should not be treated as equivalent risk.

Scientific name

Lavendula angustifolia

Family

Lamiaceae

Also known as

Lavender, Common Lavender, English Lavender

Typically found

both