Are Lemon Tree Roots Poisonous to Dogs?

About Lemon Trees

• Fragrant fruits, fragrant blossoms, edible fruits -- all of these characteristics make lemon trees appealing to gardeners looking for a new landscape. Hardy from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, lemon trees are low maintenance. Thriving in full sun and medium-wet soil, they have a reputation for adapting to infertile, poor-quality soils. Silty clay loam provides the best growth environment for these trees and they prefer a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5, or mildly acidic. Lemon trees produce showy white and purple flowers in the spring that develop into pale yellow fruits. Trees generally mature a year or more before providing edible fruits.

Toxicity

• The wood and roots of the lemon tree are not toxic in and of themselves. Rather, the roots and wood contain minute amounts of lemon essential oils, which are toxic to dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Poison Control Center. Lemon essential oil contains toxins known as psoralens. Psoralens have the potential to cause photosensitivity and skin irritation when dogs make contact with lemon tree roots. Ingestion of lemon tree roots containing psoralens can cause vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy.

Other Hazards

• Lemon trees have thick, sharp thorns on the branches. The branches of young lemon trees, or fallen branches from mature trees, can cause scratches on dogs digging for roots. Additionally, essential oils are found in greater quantities in the blossoms and fruits of the lemon tree. Keep dogs away from these parts of the tree to ensure safety.

Considerations

• Although the essential oils found in the roots of the lemon tree are toxic, the amount needed to cause a severe reaction is almost impossible to achieve by a dog digging up one or two roots. Contact dermatitis and photosensitivity are bigger problems if the oils penetrate the coat and make contact with the skin. Wash your dog thoroughly with soap and water after it comes into contact with lemon tree roots. If vomiting and diarrhea persist for more than 24 hours, or your dog is unable to keep down water, seek professional veterinary medical advice.