The ASPCA lists lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. It names essential oils and psoralens as the toxic principles and lists vomiting, diarrhea, depression and potential dermatitis as signs. It adds that the fruit is edible but the skins and plant material can cause problems. I could not confirm ASPCA entries for kumquat, calamondin or Meyer lemon, so those are unconfirmed rather than safe.
What the ASPCA lists for citrus
| Plant | ASPCA botanical name | Dogs, cats, horses | Toxic principle | Signs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon | Citrus limonia | Toxic | Essential oils and psoralens | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis |
| Lime | Citrus aurantifolia | Toxic | Essential oils and psoralens | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis |
| Orange | Citrus sinensis | Toxic | Essential oils and psoralens | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis |
| Grapefruit | Citrus paradisii | Toxic | Essential oils and psoralens | Vomiting, diarrhea, depression; potential dermatitis |
Which parts are the problem
The Lemon entry says the fruit is edible while the skins and plant material can cause problems. The Lime, Orange and Grapefruit entries say the same. In practice that means the leaves, stems and peel are the concern for a pet that chews a houseplant, not only the fruit. The ASPCA does not give amounts, so it does not say how much plant material causes signs.
What is not covered
The ASPCA entries read for this page are for lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. They do not name kumquat, calamondin or Meyer lemon, which are common potted citrus, and I did not find confirmed entries for them. It would be reasonable to treat other citrus with caution, but that is an inference and not an ASPCA statement. Check the botanical name against the ASPCA database before buying.
If a pet chews a citrus plant
Note the plant’s botanical name and how much was eaten, then contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA also says consumption of any plant material may cause vomiting and gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats.
Other fragrant plants with toxic listings
Citrus is one of several scented plants with a toxic ASPCA listing. Gardenia, lavender, geranium, hyacinth, narcissus and Brunfelsia are covered in Fragrant Houseplants That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs, and the plants with non-toxic listings are in Pet-Safe Fragrant Houseplants. For growing citrus, start from the Citrus hub.
Frequently asked questions
Are lemon trees toxic to dogs?
The ASPCA lists lemon, Citrus limonia, as toxic to dogs, cats and horses, with vomiting, diarrhea, depression and potential dermatitis.
Is the fruit itself dangerous?
The ASPCA says the fruit is edible, and that skins and plant material can cause problems.
Is calamondin safe for cats?
I could not confirm an ASPCA entry for calamondin. Treat it as unconfirmed and ask a veterinarian.
What are psoralens?
The ASPCA names psoralens, along with essential oils, as the toxic principles in the citrus entries, and lists potential dermatitis among the signs. It does not explain them further.
Sources read for this page
Last reviewed 15 October 2026. Written by Md. Firozur Rahman. This page is general information, not veterinary advice; see the Disclaimer.
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