Citronella is not something dogs should eat, lick, or have applied directly to their skin. The risk depends on the product, its concentration, the amount involved, and how the dog was exposed. A brief outdoor candle scent is not the same as swallowing concentrated oil, but keep citronella products out of reach and avoid direct exposure.
Here’s what to know about citronella plants, candles, oils, and sprays, and what to do if your dog is exposed.
What does “citronella” mean?
“Citronella” can refer to several different things, and they do not all have the same ingredients:
- Citronella essential oil: oil distilled primarily from Cymbopogon nardus or Cymbopogon winterianus grasses.
- Citronella candles, torches, coils, and sprays: products that may also contain wax, solvents, fragrances, or other ingredients.
- Citronella grass or “mosquito plants”: plants sold under names that may not identify the species precisely.
- Citronella-scented geranium: also called Pelargonium citrosum. It smells like citronella but does not actually contain citronella oil.
Correct identification matters after an exposure. Keep the packaging or photograph the ingredient list before calling your veterinarian or a pet poison service.
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Are citronella plants safe for dogs?
Dogs should not chew or eat plants sold as citronella. Citronella plant oils and tannic acid can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. Larger exposures may cause more serious signs, including excessive drooling, rapid breathing, convulsions, overheating, bluish gums or skin, and shock.
Lemongrass is not the same plant as citronella grass. The ASPCA lists lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) as toxic to dogs. Its toxic principles include essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides, and stomach upset is a possible sign. Check the ASPCA’s plant information if you are unsure what is growing in your garden.
Keep citronella-labeled plants and lemongrass where your dog cannot reach them. Do not rely on a dog to avoid a plant because it smells unpleasant. A citronella plant may not release enough oil to provide reliable mosquito control; commercial products use more concentrated formulations.
Can dogs be around citronella candles?
A citronella candle presents several hazards:
- A dog may lick or swallow citronella-containing wax.
- Wax may cause gastrointestinal upset or diarrhea.
- Oil, fragrance, or other ingredients may irritate the mouth, stomach, skin, eyes, or airways.
- The flame creates a separate burn and fire risk.
The ASPCA advises keeping citronella candles, oils, and insect coils out of pets’ reach. A mild scent drifting through a well-ventilated outdoor area should not automatically be described as poisonous. However, do not confine a dog beside a strong-smelling candle, expose the dog to concentrated fumes, or allow access to melted wax.
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If your dog coughs, has breathing difficulty, rubs its eyes, vomits, or seems distressed around a candle, move it to fresh air and contact a veterinarian. A low citronella concentration does not remove the risks from ingestion, other ingredients, wax, or an open flame.
Is citronella essential oil safe for dogs?
Do not apply undiluted citronella essential oil to a dog, add it to food or water, or use it in a diffuser near the dog. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and formulations vary substantially. Large amounts swallowed or absorbed through the skin can cause vomiting, drooling, rapid breathing, overheating, seizures, bluish discoloration, shock, or skin irritation.
Oil on the coat or skin can become an ingestion risk because dogs groom themselves. “Natural” and “plant-based” are not safety guarantees.
What about citronella sprays and collars?
Sprays
Do not use a household citronella spray on a dog unless the product is specifically labeled for canine use and its label directs that use. A spray can irritate the skin or eyes, and the dog may ingest it while grooming.
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For flea, tick, or mosquito protection, choose a product recommended by your veterinarian and labeled for your dog’s species, age, weight, and health status. EPA registration or “minimum-risk” status concerns pesticide regulation; it does not mean a product is safe to ingest or appropriate for every dog. Some exempt, unregistered repellents have not been evaluated by the EPA for effectiveness.
Anti-bark collars
A citronella anti-bark collar is not a flea or mosquito repellent. It releases citronella mist as an unpleasant consequence when the collar detects barking.
The ASPCA classifies citronella anti-bark collars as punishment devices and does not recommend them as a first choice. They may be particularly unsuitable when barking is related to fear, anxiety, or compulsive behavior. Address the trigger with a qualified veterinary behavior professional or reward-based trainer.
Symptoms of citronella exposure in dogs
Watch for signs after your dog chews a plant, licks a candle or oil, inhales concentrated fumes, or has a product applied to the skin:
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| Possible signs | Potentially serious signs |
|---|---|
| Vomiting or diarrhea | Breathing difficulty or very rapid breathing |
| Excessive drooling or abdominal discomfort | Weakness, tremors, seizures, or collapse |
| Skin redness or irritation | Blue or gray gums or skin |
| Eye irritation or coughing | Overheating or shock |
Severity depends on the product, concentration, amount, route of exposure, and the dog’s size, age, and health.
What to do if your dog is exposed
- Remove your dog from the product. Prevent further licking or chewing and move the dog away from concentrated fumes.
- Do not induce vomiting or give home remedies. Do so only if a veterinarian or veterinary poison specialist specifically instructs you.
- Contact a veterinarian about skin or eye contact. Ask how to wash or decontaminate the affected area safely.
- Collect product information. Keep the container and label. Note the ingredients, estimated amount, time of exposure, and your dog’s weight.
- Get emergency help for serious signs. Breathing problems, repeated vomiting, tremors, seizures, weakness, blue gums, collapse, or severe distress require immediate veterinary attention.
- Contact animal poison control even if your dog looks normal. A specialist can assess the specific product and exposure.
In the United States, 24/7 animal poison services include:
- ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661. An incident fee applies.
If your dog is unconscious, having trouble breathing, seizing, or collapsing, go directly to an emergency veterinary clinic and call ahead if possible.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common misconceptions about citronella and dogs
| Claim | What is more accurate |
|---|---|
| “Citronella is natural, so it is safe.” | Natural products can still irritate or poison pets, particularly when concentrated or swallowed. |
| “A citronella plant automatically repels mosquitoes.” | A plant may not release enough oil for reliable mosquito control; commercial products use more concentrated formulations. |
| “Dog-safe means safe to use anywhere.” | Use a product made for dogs only as directed, and do not let the dog lick or chew it. |
| “A candle is harmless because citronella has low toxicity.” | That does not remove risks from wax, additives, skin contact, concentrated oil, or an open flame. |
| “Any mosquito repellent is suitable for pets.” | Repellents differ by active ingredient and formulation. Choose one with veterinary guidance and follow its label. |
FAQ
Can I burn a citronella candle near my dog?
Keep the candle where your dog cannot reach, lick, knock over, or burn itself on it. A mild outdoor scent is not the same as swallowing the product, but strong fumes may irritate some dogs. Move your dog away if coughing, eye irritation, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or distress develops.
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What happens if my dog licks citronella oil?
Prevent further licking and do not induce vomiting or give a home remedy. Call your veterinarian or a pet poison service with the product label, ingredients, estimated amount, and your dog’s weight. Drooling, vomiting, rapid breathing, tremors, seizures, blue gums, weakness, or collapse require urgent veterinary care.
Can citronella oil be put on a dog to repel mosquitoes?
Do not apply undiluted citronella essential oil to a dog. Household sprays and oils may irritate the skin and eyes, and a dog can ingest them while grooming. Use only a canine product specifically labeled for that dog and follow its directions; ask your veterinarian to recommend parasite protection.
Are citronella plants and lemongrass the same?
No. Citronella grass and lemongrass are different plants, although they are often confused. The ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to dogs, with stomach upset as a possible sign. Keep both plants out of your dog’s reach.
The Bottom Line
Citronella is best treated as a product dogs should not eat, lick, or have applied to their skin. Keep candles, oils, sprays, coils, and citronella-labeled plants inaccessible, and do not use an essential oil diffuser or household repellent as a do-it-yourself treatment. After exposure, save the label, avoid home remedies, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison service, especially if breathing, neurological, or collapse signs appear.
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