Herbs that are harmful to dogs

Herbs that are harmful to dogs

Last week, we learned the herbs and spices beneficial to dogs. We will learn about toxic and harmful herbs, spices, and harmful plants this week. Many of these are common for humans to consume and have in our pantries. To avoid having issues with your dog consuming them, keep them high up and away from your dogs.

Garlic, Onions, and chives: Consuming these will cause red blood cells to change their shape. When this happens, the cells will break, which means less oxygen to tissues, organs, and muscles. Less oxygen leads to decreased energy, anemia, organ failure, and possibly death. Symptoms to look out for are lethargy, abdominal pain, pale gums, red urine, vomiting, and diarrhea.

 

Cocoa Powder: Like chocolate, it contains theobromine which speeds up the animal's heart rate. Increased heart rate will impact the central nervous system and increase the likelihood of having a heart attack. Symptoms to look out for are restlessness, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and tremors.

 

Nutmeg: This spice is made with the toxin myristicin and is toxic to dogs. Nutmeg poisoning symptoms can last up to 48 hours. These include pale gums, sticky saliva, difficulty walking, tremors, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, dry mouth, and seizures. Humans get nutmeg poisoning if we eat the equivalent of three seeds.

 

Paprika: Although this spice is not toxic to dogs, it can cause stomach problems and diarrhea. This spice contains capsaicin which is why it causes an upset stomach. Symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, skin, eye, and nasal congestion. Pepper has similar effects.

 

Mace: This spice is similar to nutmeg and causes severe damage. It will cause central nervous system issues, irritate the dog's intestinal tract, and cause stomach issues. Symptoms to look out for are abdominal pain, vomiting, and drowsiness.

 

Hops: The compounds in hops increase your dog's body temperature rapidly, which can lead to organ damage. Symptoms to look out for are panting, abdominal pain, seizures, increased heart rate, and over-excitement.

 

Yucca: This plant contains steroidal saponins, which will irritate your dog's intestinal tract and create stomach problems. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, weakness, incoordination, diarrhea.

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