Eucalyptus Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 3 min read| 3,263 found this helpful

Eucalyptus species

Eucalyptus is confirmed toxic to cats, dogs, and horses, with risk of adverse effects from both ingestion and essential oil exposure.

The core toxic compound present in all eucalyptus plant parts is the essential oil component eucalyptol.

Common clinical signs of eucalyptus poisoning in sensitive animals include gastrointestinal distress, depression, and generalized weakness.

FAQ

Is Eucalyptus toxic to Humans?

Mild mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, dizziness, or skin rashes if large quantities of plant material or concentrated essential oil are consumed/contacted. (Low)

Is Eucalyptus toxic to Cats?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, potential respiratory distress if exposed to oil fumes. (Moderate)

Is Eucalyptus toxic to Dogs?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, reduced appetite after ingestion. (Moderate)

Is Eucalyptus toxic to Horses?

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, reduced feed intake after ingestion of large quantities. (Moderate)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Low

Mild mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, dizziness, or skin rashes if large quantities of plant material or concentrated essential oil are consumed/contacted.

Cats

Moderate

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, potential respiratory distress if exposed to oil fumes.

Dogs

Moderate

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, reduced appetite after ingestion.

Horses

Moderate

Salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, generalized weakness, reduced feed intake after ingestion of large quantities.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsAll fresh and dried plant parts, with highest toxicity in concentrated extracted eucalyptus essential oil.

Exposure RouteIngestion of plant material or eucalyptus-containing products, skin absorption of concentrated essential oil, inhalation of diffused eucalyptus oil fumes.

Toxic CompoundsEucalyptol (1,8-cineole, primary toxic essential oil component)

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Immediately remove any remaining eucalyptus plant material, oil, or related products from the exposed animal's reach and mouth if safe to do so.
• If concentrated eucalyptus oil contacts skin, rinse the affected area thoroughly with mild soap and cool running water for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not induce vomiting or administer home remedies unless explicitly directed by a licensed veterinarian.

Contact Vet Immediately

• The animal is a cat, dog, or horse that has ingested any quantity of eucalyptus plant material or concentrated essential oil.
• Any clinical signs including salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, depression, or weakness develop after exposure.
• Inhalation exposure to concentrated eucalyptus fumes has occurred, especially for cats or small companion animals.

Prevention

• Keep potted eucalyptus, cut decorative stems, and eucalyptus essential oil products securely out of reach of pets and livestock.
• Avoid using eucalyptus essential oil diffusers in households with cats, as inhalation can trigger adverse respiratory and systemic effects.
• Check ingredient labels of pet care, cleaning, and topical products to avoid items containing eucalyptus for use around sensitive animals.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Veterinarians may administer activated charcoal to bind unabsorbed toxic compounds if ingestion occurred within the past 2 hours.
• Supportive care including IV fluid hydration, anti-emetic medication to control vomiting, and vital sign monitoring will be provided as needed.
• For respiratory or skin exposure, symptomatic care including antihistamines for irritation or oxygen support may be administered based on symptom severity.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameEucalyptus species

AliasesMultiple cultivated cultivars

Toxicity Grade

HumansLow

CatsModerate

DogsModerate

HorsesModerate

Target Organs

Gastrointestinal tractCentral nervous systemRespiratory tractSkin

Mechanism of Action

• Eucalyptol irritates gastrointestinal mucosal membranes upon ingestion, and systemic absorption leads to central nervous system depression in sensitive species

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters): Low to moderate toxicity; ingestion may cause gastrointestinal distress, lethargy, and appetite loss

Pet birds: High sensitivity to inhaled eucalyptus oil fumes, which can cause severe respiratory distress and organ damage

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis

Aromatic evergreen leaves are often confused with eucalyptus for decorative or culinary use; bay laurel is safe for human consumption in small quantities, unlike eucalyptus.

Boxwood Buxus sempervirens

Dense, small evergreen foliage of young boxwood plants can be visually mistaken for juvenile eucalyptus; boxwood is toxic to a wider range of species including ruminants.

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Related Toxic Plants

Tea Tree

Melaleuca alternifolia

Moderately toxic to cats and dogs, especially concentrated essential oil

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

Moderately toxic to pets, with high risk from concentrated clove oil ingestion

Lemon Myrtle

Backhousia citriodora

Low toxicity to pets, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if large quantities are ingested

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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